A Common Sense Approach

If politicians were unencumbered by special interests, and no longer required to follow ‘the party line’, how would we expect them to act?  Here’s a summary of how I expect our political leaders to conduct their (i.e. OUR) business.

• Be objective.
• Make hard decisions.
• Compromise.
• Be responsible.
• Play fair.
• Respect differences.

OBJECTIVITY: Focus on and push forward policies that really makes the most sense for the country in the long-term.  Not just what’s going to ensure your (re)election, or be popular with your party or voter base. Be willing to change your position when new information is presented. Also, listen to the experts; and not just the one that simply reaffirms what you thought you already knew.

DECISIONS: Running any organization requires you make difficult decisions. Including ones that may disappoint your supporters; this is okay so that the overall group can thrive long-term. Be bold, not afraid. And let’s focus on the big stuff. Let’s really address this long-term social security crisis that most sane folks agree is looming down the road.

COMPROMISE: The best solutions generally including something-for-everyone. Lossen this but tighten that.  Work with your peers to find an approach that addresses most folks needs in some way.  It’s hard…but no one said running a country was easy.  This sounds more difficult than it really is, once you have an open mind.  Solutions for immigration and gun laws immediately come to mind.

RESPONSIBILITY: Don’t buy stuff you can’t afford. Don’t saddle the next generation (or elected official) with decisions that seemed good in the short-term but were no doubt bad for us in the long-term.  It’s irresponsible to saddle us with even more national debt or a failing environment.

FAIRNESS: Stop misleading the public about what you’re going to accomplish when you know it’s not possible. Don’t change the rules to help you, your party and your stakeholders. No lying about your opponents. While we’re at it, stop treating everyone that has a different viewpoint or position like an opponent.

RESPECT: Look out for everyone, not just your constituents. Every American is your constituent.  Respect people’s differences. As long as someone is not hurting you or others, let them be. Stop name calling. Stop making stuff up.  Honestly, my 4-year-old understands this concept better many of our political leaders. #sad

Most people will read the above list and say, “Impossible”, “Dreamer”, “Those things can’t co-exist”.  I say that’s because we’ve become so set in our views, so full of disdain for the ‘other side’ that we’ve forgotten what’s possible.  If you drop your guard a bit, let go of that negativity, forget about our past (err…current) differences, and try to come up with policies and changes that support the bigger end goal of a strong, prosperous country for all Americans….it’s much more doable than you think.

Now we just need to really fix that broken political system of ours.