Politics With A Punch
I went to my first political party in ages. Nothing much has changed. The handshaking, the smiles the promises and the personalities. The worker bees gather, proudly displaying their support and their sincere devotion to the politician of the hour and the politicos themselves absorb the praise and the adulation with a professed sincerity that would make any mom proud.
It takes a lot to get elected. A lot of time and money and maneuvering and manpower. Sometimes, almost all the time, there's a lot of manipulation--of people, places, ideas and positions. Sometimes the very people we peg as the best choice-happen to be the worst pick. In fact, there is no litmus test for choosing the honorable candidate--because there is something about power and control that changes a human being....slowly, but surely, seducing the honesty right out from underneath them...Not necessarily illegal acts...but too often--good old fashioned values...get robbed and are replaced by inconsiderate, thoughtless selfishness.
I covered politics at its best and its worst, right here in Louisiana....ran around Federal Court trying to catch an interview with one of our most infamous governors, Edwin Edwards...Colorful, cute and constantly under investigation-he made politics into a well rounded theatrical production---that included satire, comedy, romance, intrigue, corruption....and the grand finale-the jailhouse rock! But in the bayou state there's always a next time...and a new face---ready to rock -and be paroled!
My girlfriend is working hard to get a friend and incumbent judge re elected....a woman who is tough on crime and tough on her fellow bench mates. She exposed corruption on the bench--then found herself penalized for "inappropriate" conduct---harsh words for some lawyers and their clients...I wasn't there---but-it's been my experience-that tough women take some tough criticism because it's fine for guys to get mad...but not the gals. This female judge made her apologies, took one for the team, walked back into court and reclaimed her seat--with head held high...proving that true power can't be bought or sold or given away...it shines forth from within, when we least expect it.
I've interviewed politicians around the world, from Russia to Lithuania, from Nicaragua to the good ole U.S. of A...and I am still most impressed that anyone, anywhere wants to get down in the mud wrestling...in the name of freedom and justice for all...And that thought gives me much comfort and lets me know that politics--even with a punch is perfectly a ok.
So, as we move closer to election day here...and across the nation, I try to remember that sometimes I'm choosing the the best that our system has to offer---given the circumstances...and sometimes it's the lesser of two evils...and other times-the one we least expect to like, ends up becoming the most likable, lovable, leader with the longest lasting impression on our personal lives and on our colorful history.
It takes a lot to get elected. A lot of time and money and maneuvering and manpower. Sometimes, almost all the time, there's a lot of manipulation--of people, places, ideas and positions. Sometimes the very people we peg as the best choice-happen to be the worst pick. In fact, there is no litmus test for choosing the honorable candidate--because there is something about power and control that changes a human being....slowly, but surely, seducing the honesty right out from underneath them...Not necessarily illegal acts...but too often--good old fashioned values...get robbed and are replaced by inconsiderate, thoughtless selfishness.
I covered politics at its best and its worst, right here in Louisiana....ran around Federal Court trying to catch an interview with one of our most infamous governors, Edwin Edwards...Colorful, cute and constantly under investigation-he made politics into a well rounded theatrical production---that included satire, comedy, romance, intrigue, corruption....and the grand finale-the jailhouse rock! But in the bayou state there's always a next time...and a new face---ready to rock -and be paroled!
My girlfriend is working hard to get a friend and incumbent judge re elected....a woman who is tough on crime and tough on her fellow bench mates. She exposed corruption on the bench--then found herself penalized for "inappropriate" conduct---harsh words for some lawyers and their clients...I wasn't there---but-it's been my experience-that tough women take some tough criticism because it's fine for guys to get mad...but not the gals. This female judge made her apologies, took one for the team, walked back into court and reclaimed her seat--with head held high...proving that true power can't be bought or sold or given away...it shines forth from within, when we least expect it.
I've interviewed politicians around the world, from Russia to Lithuania, from Nicaragua to the good ole U.S. of A...and I am still most impressed that anyone, anywhere wants to get down in the mud wrestling...in the name of freedom and justice for all...And that thought gives me much comfort and lets me know that politics--even with a punch is perfectly a ok.
So, as we move closer to election day here...and across the nation, I try to remember that sometimes I'm choosing the the best that our system has to offer---given the circumstances...and sometimes it's the lesser of two evils...and other times-the one we least expect to like, ends up becoming the most likable, lovable, leader with the longest lasting impression on our personal lives and on our colorful history.
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