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Julia Gorin
The America Show
Episode 4
Jesus and Mordy
Watch Video Now
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Conservatives Are From Mars, Liberals Are From San Francisco
by Burt Prelutsky
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America Alone
by Mark Steyn
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The CRO Store
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The new year brings us a new Congress, among other blessings, and the beginning of the final two years of George W. Bush’s exciting presidency. Hopefully, it will also bring swift progress in resolving our problems in Iraq, because even greater problems beckon. The start of each new year is a time for making resolutions. Our Washington politicians being busy folks, I’ve again taken the liberty of suggesting some in order to save them time.

First of all, try to be humble and recognize your limitations. It isn’t a sign of weakness. You weren’t elected to solve all the world’s problems. You are, however, expected to deliver on at least some of those campaign promises you made. There’s the rub. Those promises, so easily given, often prove hard to keep. Remember, criticism of current policy is not good enough. You’ve got to actually have an alternative that stands a reasonable chance of working. You thought about that before you decided to run, right? Ah, well. It may not be too late.

Second, be your own person and go with your gut, not just the straight party line, religious dictates or the way the political winds are currently blowing. The voters elected you to represent all of them, not just those who share your religious beliefs and party registration. They have a perfect right to ask if your decisions are going to be determined by what your church or party leadership prescribes on matters such as, say, abortion, birth control and stem cell research.

Third, tone down the rhetoric. Learn to listen and help restore civility to government and politics. Americans made it clear in the last election that they are tired of polarization, gridlock and a dysfunctional government that can’t seem to get anything of substance accomplished. They want solutions to problems, not endless debate. It isn’t enough to be right if nothing gets done.

Fourth, put the safety of all the people ahead of the rights of the vocal few. The terrorism practiced by religious fanatics, who won’t hesitate to kill themselves or any innocents who happen to be in the way of their murderous attacks because they believe their God wants them to, is unlike any threat we have previously experienced. It changes everything including many of our cherished notions regarding privacy and individual freedoms which may have to yield, at times, to measures necessary for the greater security of all of us. That doesn’t mean, as some of the loudest critics of government allege, that the terrorists have won. It means, rather, that we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep them from winning.

Fifth, keep public opinion polls in perspective. The voters are currently angry over ineffective government and a costly, lengthy and difficult war in Iraq and the president’s ratings are at an all-time low. But the public’s opinion of Congress is even lower. Inexplicably, however, another poll indicates that a majority of respondents would prefer that Congress, rather than the president, set policy for the country. But Congress usually behaves like a giant committee and committees are not very good at things like conducting war or foreign policy. The nation must often speak with one voice and the president is our elected leader, low poll numbers or not. He alone represents all the people, not just those of a single district or state.

Sixth, develop a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility. Public funds are not yours to manipulate for political advantage. It’s the people’s hard-earned money that you are talking about when push for tax increases or pork projects for the folks back home.

Seventh, don’t sacrifice principle for the sake of political correctness. Do and say what’s right, not just whatever will avoid the possibility of offending anyone.

Eighth, don’t practice demagoguery. Facts and logic will do. Appealing to emotions without a reasoned argument is only effective in persuading shallow, ignorant people.

Ninth, instead of blaming America first, try putting America first.

Tenth, and perhaps hardest of all, put the public good ahead of political career aspirations. Winning an election gives you the privilege of serving the public. It does not entitle you to membership in the ruling class for life. You may want to keep your resume up to date. Public office demands the practice of leadership. Leaders are always willing to sacrifice their own interest to the greater interest of those they are responsible for. They not only talk the talk, they walk the walk. They promote desired change by reason and persuasion, not by threats, schemes or by demonizing others who disagree. CRO

copyright 2006 J. F. Kelly, Jr.

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