Thinking Out Loud

Honesty in Politics Isn't it time that we in the US demanded honesty in politics? Oh, I'm not talking about honest politicians, that would be too much to ask. No, I'm talking about honesty in the political process. Let's face it. Politics has long since devolved to the point that it bears little connection to anything like governance, statesmanship, reason or principle. Let's treat it as what it is: A spectator sport.

Once upon a time, people in this country argued about the "My country, right or wrong" attitude. Now we have "My party, right or wrong." Every night, the players and cheerleaders are trotted onto the screen to push the team strategy. They all say the same thing, because the coaches already gave them the play. Without any consideration for reason or facts, they run the play they were given for no other reason than the fact that it's the play they were given.

What's the primary function of a politician? To get reelected. What's the secondary function? To get other party members reelected. Go, team, go!

The teams already have mascots. Why not give them uniforms, too? Then we could collect statistics and trading cards. We could even devise some sort of arena event that combines all the best features of lacrosse, water polo, and rollerball. Think of the revenues the tickets would bring in. We could have an annual draft, as the majors scour the farm teams of local politics for new stars.

Talk to the fans. Ask Joe Street why he supports a particular piece of legislation and he won't be able to tell you. At best, he'll parrot the team cheer. Press him to explain, and he'll eventually fall back on disparaging the other team as evil, power-hungry, sociopaths. That's a laugh. It's the pots versus the kettles, folks, and they'll sacrifice principle for votes every time.

Go, team, go!