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I have avoided political substance for ten years in Reading for Leading and I will continue to do so today on the eve of historic health care reform. The President will soon sign a major health care overhaul bill. If like me, you have heard nine times as much opinion as fact, then you might check the CBS News site for a simple factual summary. Our country needs you to be informed.
I want to address my leadership thought to you, citizens and media (and in a networked and blogging world, citizens are the media) – about the way we’re talking to each other about hugely important issues. And I implore people to be civil and truth-driven, rather than hostile and positional.
I heard a major news radio host on Friday condemn “those morons in Washington,” and I felt physically sick and wondered: am I the only one who finds that comment both repulsive and dangerous? It doesn’t matter whether the statement was made by a left-winger or a right-winger; they’d be equally repugnant. Would we call teachers, cashiers, engineers, parents, (insert your profession here) or doctors – morons? It’s not just offensive but doubly dangerous. First, supposed leaders like this talk show host are condoning name-calling, and that has NEVER solved a complex problem – only made it worse. Second, I wonder, as the spouse of a woman leading through excruciating decision after excruciating decision: why would any self-respecting person enter this field?
I look at representatives like the late Gerald Ford and Paul Henry, the retiring Vern Ehlers, and Carl and Sander Levin and think: morons? Are you kidding? These are spectacular people – brilliant, committed, attentive, doing their best in a complicated and challenging world.
So, here’s a constructive thought: next time you hear someone calling our elected officials morons, jellyfish, or idiots, invite them to run for something. Here’s what they will experience: Representatives and executives – from school board to congress to president – must understand tough issues and tradeoffs, gauge their own personal beliefs, absorb the passions of highly active citizens, assess what most of their highly inactive constituents (half a million in a Congressional district) want, and ask the hard question: if my constituents could see everything I see, would they still believe what the one-line polling question says they feel? What an awesome responsibility and privilege and challenge.
As silly season approaches, these elected people will largely rise or sink to the level of the factual and value-oriented bars we set for them. I hope as a citizen we will all try a little harder to
Lead with our best selves.
Dan, I agree with almost everything you said, except as it applies to the 43rd POTUS. Sorry, I just can’t get there in that case.
Dan,
The tragic lack of civility in governmental interactions only parallels the same in daily life.
The online dictionary defines “moron” as: 1. A stupid person; a dolt. 2. [Psychology] A person of mild mental retardation having a mental age of from 7 to 12 years and generally having communication and social skills enabling some degree of academic or vocational education. The term belongs to a classification system no longer in use and is now considered offensive.
When did the word “moron” come to mean “someone who disagrees with me?” This is way I usually hear the word used. I have uttered the word myself, when cut-off or tailgated in traffic, and was then left to wonder from where came the urge to use it.
I substitute taught for three months last school year. Civility and consideration simply do not exist in the classrooms, except for the actions of a few (far too few) students and in the rare cases that it is enforced by threat of punishment. Somewhere between 5th grade (where I was still addressed as Mr. McKellar) and 7th grade (where I was downgraded to “Hey you!”) respect, civility, and consideration vanished. I cannot blame the school systems for this outcome. Respect and civility were taught by my parents and were a way of life in our home.
I was proud to find out that my son has banned the use of certain words in their house, like “stupid, ” “moron,” and “dumb.” In fact, my three-year-old grandson admonished me this weekend when I used the word “stupid” to describe a reality show on television. It was a teaching moment, and I was the student. Humbling…yes, that’s the word.
Rep. Bart Stupak is the congressman from our district, and I met him when visiting Washington DC with my older son for a conference, some years ago. He is a reasonable and intelligent man, and one who has suffered tragedy in his own family, yet remains a strong and responsive representative. His ability to focus on a conversation and absorb the content is a bit frightening in person. Perhaps his years in the Michigan State Police helped him develop that intensity.
Perhaps our representatives need to take a page from the life of Harry Truman. Noted for his lively temper, he knew the danger of “spouting.” On the rare instances that he let go, he paid dearly in political capital. His method for handling the problem was a simple one: He wrote a letter with all the emotion, anger, resentment, and fear exposed and plainly written. Then he found a locked drawer and put it away, forever. Maybe our representatives should pause before uttering their nefarious sound bytes, record them on digital recorder, and then delete them forever. Personal attacks and “over the top” allegations make for good theatre and even better news coverage; but they solve nothing. Why fix the problem when you gain more political capital (and media coverage) from fixing the blame?
In “Cool Hand Luke,” Strother Martin’s nefarious Captain said: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can’t reach, so you get what we had here last week which is the way he wants it. Well, he gets it. And I don’t like it any more than you men.” Luke was communicating, but to the wrong audience, and the result was tragedy. Maybe our representatives need to take a good long look at their audiences, instead of the polls. Rep. Stupak has a huge district (lots of miles) and still manages to visit our communities regularly. I sleep better knowing he actually talks to people, not pollsters.
Nope, you don’t get to congress by being a moron. I think perhaps, it is in the translation of good ideas into Washington Legalese, that common sense is left behind. There are old politicians and bold politicians, but very few old, bold politicians.
You are right on the money! As a former elected official as well as the wife of a former elected official of a small Michigan city, I can tell you exactly what they would say: “Oh, I could never do that!”; or I can’t do that because I own a small business.”; or, I don’t have time.” The few people who do accept the opportunity to serve soon realize the challenge of not being able to satisfy all of the people all of the time, but they also usually find the experience most rewarding. Serving in elected office is most difficult when what is best for the community at large is not the most advantageous for their friends.
In spite of the above challenges of public service,the rewards are so great that I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Governor Granholm inherited a political situation which is most difficult and she has served honorably. I wish her all the best in the future, and sincerely hope that she will find another venue in which to serve us all.
Dan,
Thank you for this week’s subject. My father was in politics sixty years ago. The right and the left did not always agree…in fact, seldom did they agree. The important part was that they were civil and respectful to each other. They agreed to disagree with dignity.
Society has lost that respect. It was so obvious when shouting happened at the State of the Union address and again during the debate on Sunday night. Who elects these folks? If they are morons, then the electorate must be morons too! I don’t think so. We should thank those who are willing to step out and lead. We should eliminate those who step out and shout!
Thank you to your wife and others who lead because they believe.
Lois
Where are we? Is this America? Black, white, hispanic, asian, native american. It was deemed a melting pot for a reason- to give opportunity. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunity. The rules haven’t always been right, but why not move ahead? Our country is no longer one of dignity, integrity and respect. When we lose sight of the principles that defined us, we lose vision, unity and success. Our economy isn’t the blame of one president (black or white) one administration or one party. The damage was caused collectively. Now one president and one administration is trying to right some of the wrongs. Honestly, I am afraid. When I hear a talk show host say we need to take them out – that disturbs me. Is he calling for killers, terrorists or just plain haters to step forward and take out leaders who think it’s fair that all citizens can go the doctor? Life happens in seasons, apparently this is our season to develop, mature and press beyond the norm. Unfortunately, there is so much hatred, racism and divide – until I am almost ashamed to be a citizen of this country. All in the name of the haves who don’t want to sacrifice another penny of their wealth and the have nots who (outside of children and elderly) won’t launch towards self enhancement, education and avenues of sustainment. Let’s move forward.
Why would one agree with, that a person has to pay a thousand dollar fine for not having health insurance. If they can’t afford to buy themselves health ins., how can they pay a fine?