December 13, 2007

POLITICS and the POLITICIAN

Perception is the first word that comes to my mind when I think about politics. Almost everyone has an opinion on any given subject. We choose to express our position with various levels of sensitivity while others merely observe. Our assessments are sometimes slotted for us into camps that may not be of our choosing.

Most think of politics in a single if not linear fashion, yet always dirty. Few ever think of themselves as politicians yet we all are because politics is relationships to others involving power and influence. Thus, it is in every marriage, church, civic organization and government. The intensity of tactics used and the type of strategy deployed is determined by the environment in which it is to be used.

We seem to have the most difficultly with the professional politician. Probably because some us were taught in American history about citizens holding public office but not as a career. Today’s families and political parties appear to promote the power and influence aspect but receive a failing grade in the area of relationships.

When one removes the posturing and sound bites of today’s political process in the home or at the county seat the end product should be integrity. Ones’ position on an issue should never imprison ones’ veracity.

Henry Berry