Archive: Opinions

To The PointThe words politics and human are often a contradiction in terms.  When politicians are running for office, they are most eager to meet with voters, listen to their concerns, and promise, that once in office, they will carry out the will of the people.  Their tenure in office will be different.  It will not be politics as usual.  They hope to implement real change whether it is in Lansing, Albany, or Washington.

So we the people cast our ballots, and our candidates are elected to office.  In the last election, we the people overwhelmingly placed our trust in the Democratic Party.  Like generations before, we soon realize that the political process behaves much like the weather-unpredictable.  What was forecasted as mild and sunny easily turns into blustery and cold with little warning. 

An example of this is our very own New York State Senate.  Just as Democrats appeared to have locked in on a majority, three of them defected.  For weeks, the Senate was paralyzed as each party placed blamed the other as the government came to a grinding halt.  As the economic crisis grew worse and necessary legislation piled up, the Senate seemed unable to come to terms with its real problem-itself.

With the summer recess in full swing, many of our elected officials are back in their respective districts attending summer barbeques, town hall meetings, and other events designed to bring a positive message back to the voters. 

Last Sunday, a handful of local, state, and national politicians gathered at a home situated on a gentle slope overlooking Cayuga Lake in Lansing.    The atmosphere was festive.  As guests mingled with the dignitaries, there was a sense of hope.  Conversations were upbeat. Their words were comforting but cautious as they discussed the legislation they had passed and the bills that still needed work.  Perhaps this time the elected officials really meant what they said.

Above all, the tone in their voice and their attitude demonstrated a real sincerity and obviously enjoyed being with those whom they serve.  As someone who has grown a bit cynical about politics and politicians, I felt a genuineness that I thought died long ago.  Maurice Hinchey, Tom DiNapoli, Gwen Wilkinson, and Barbara Lifton offered words of encouragement and praise not for themselves, but for those who had elected them.  They stressed the need to hold politicians accountable for the promises they had made. 

Yes, the gathering was polite and civil.  But the democrats who had applauded their elected officials also posed some tough questions and challenged them to work harder on several issues including  health care reform and shale oil drilling.    

Humans do not behave like lemmings, nor are they mere sheep.   Our representatives know that the voters in this region are well educated, concerned, and up to date on the issues.  Mere showmanship and flattery are not enough to remain in office.  They have to show the voters that they are doing the work of the people.  Public office requires public service. 

Sunday’s gathering reminded many that politicians are human.  They breathe the same air, drink the same water, and want what’s best for themselves and their neighbors.  As they travel across their respective districts, meet with their constituents, and engage in lively discussion about the work they have accomplished as well as the work that remains, I hope others experience that same sense of camaraderie and guarded optimism that many went away with after listening to their elected officials.  Politics does have a face, and to my surprise, it is still very human.  And that is to the point. 

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