Politically Wrong

For about the past 15 years, we've been getting used to conducting our public and sometimes private affairs in "politically correct" ways. I remember first reading the term in a cover story for Newsweek Magazine several years ago. It warned of a time when virtually anything coming out of one's mouth could be fodder for the thought police to pounce upon and make you pay for what you said.

Well, we've all watched the myriad of public examples over the years where public figures erred and paid dearly for not having an inner editor on 24-hour duty to catch that inappropriate comment before it escaped their lips.

I think, to a certain extent, political correctness is wise. For generations, people have gotten away with thoughtless verbal abuse of others. It was past time to start reining in the hurtful comments and to work for an environment where anyone of any persuasion could start feeling a bit more secure, knowing that a verbal ambush did not await them at every turn.

Political correctness has grown so much in stature these days that we often feel stifled to say what's really on our mind for fear of reprisal or public shame. The irony that I see, however, is that "Political Wrongfulness" seems to enjoy equal power in our present political environment. To me, it's politically wrong to judge everything and everybody with strict black-and-white/blue or red/Republican or Democratic standards.

It seems to me that politicians, especially, have lost the sense of "gray" in the way we and they react to issues. That trend has divided us as a nation, causing us to react strongly in one of two ways, with no consideration for anything in between. This is another sickening election year, and we, the voters, will endure many months of acrimonious, dumb accusations launched by one candidate opposing another.

Whatever happened to the old tendency to vote for a person because of their qualifications, rather than their party? Whatever happened to respecting a person because of their qualifications and because of what they were able to achieve rather than the label they represent? Are all of our politicians so stifled by party bosses that they're not allowed to think one thought for themselves?

I've somewhat accepted this at a national level because there's not a whole lot little pipsqueaks like me can do to change it, but I have a very difficult time watching it seep into our local politically-elected offices. I know of good people who represent both major political parties, and I vote accordingly.

These individuals directly affect the everyday lives of the people they see on the street within their communities. It seems to me that---even in a political year---they should abandon the public in-fighting and demonstrate a spirit of working together to do their jobs of representing the people of their community rather than succumbing to party tenets, unity and strategy that might help get them elected or re-elected. If they do, I believe all of them, regardless of party, will command much more respect.

At a local level, in spite of what we read in the paper, most folks know whether or not our elected officials are doing their job for the good of the residents they represent. Most voters see through the little political spears being launched because the timing is good. And, most voters don't like being the victims down the road after a well-orchestrated program of "political wrongs" has done its damage on a well-qualified individual.

If candidates are strong enough to speak and follow through on their convictions, I vote for them. If I think they're doing their best to represent what's best for the community---in spite of occasional oppositions---I'll vote for them. If they're showing me tangible examples of what they've done to successfully carry out their elected duties, I'll vote for them. On the contrary, if their campaign is geared solely to dragging down their opponent, I'm probably going to have some skepticism, as I wait to see what they've done or will do to make the situation better.

I view politics as a game, much like boxing or football. The contenders can belittle their opponents all they want and trump up their own talents, but performance determines the final winner in any sport. Talent, teamwork and consistency contribute to victory and to credibility.

The same should be true in politics. The best sporting games I've ever watched were those where two incredibly outstanding, highly talented teams have utilized their skills from beginning to end. The outcome, though disappointing to one opponent, is usually very satisfying for all concerned, with opponents hugging and shaking hands in the end and fans voicing enthusiasm for a game well-played. I wish we could see more of that in politics.

Voters, like me are tired of negative politics. It's politically wrong. It's time to start accentuating the positive and restore some dignity, respect and grace back into the political arena, especially in our local elections. Possibly that spirit might start working upward, and some day we wouldn't hate election years so much.

Now, I hope the thought police don't get mad at me for saying something wrong.