Politicians Run From Responsibility

Those running for elected office promise every conceivable measure to secure power for themselves and the party faithful. Unfortunately, just like average citizens, politicians love power but abhor responsibility. The electorate and those self-assured political aspirants together fail to realize that responsibility and power are two sides of the same coin. One does not exist without the other. Politicians run from responsibility leaving disaster in their wake. It is no wonder we get the government we deserve.

The greatest contradiction in modern American political life is the contrast between those seeking elected office and the conduct of those having secured elected office. Presidential candidates would have you believe they are masters of the wind, they control the tides, they in fact wield the power of the right hand of God. For the price of a vote you will be fed, clothed, housed and cared for. A candidate promises, once elected, to meet every conceivable need from healthcare, to employment, to national security. Nothing is impossible for the would-be political leader.

Looking to those who have won the prize however, those men and women who have secured the lofty positions of power and prestige, one finds a diametrically opposed reality. The politicians who have garnered the votes offer a litany of reasonable, and where practicable not so reasonable excuses as to why they cannot be held responsible for the state of affairs. Once in power they cannot envision, much less bring about, substantive change - they instead set themselves to work on other, more self-aggrandizing agendas.

Democracy is by nature a very messy affair. You recognize this to the degree you allow egalitarianism to flourish in your own household. Giving equal consideration to various perspectives and carefully weighting alternative courses to arrive at the greatest good, is not easy work. The United States however, is moving away from democracy at an accelerating pace. Because we, the people, won't bear the responsibility for the time consuming and difficult tasks of governing we let those who would seize and use power have it. We then hope for the best.

The party faithful, the fundamentalists, both Republican and Democrat alike, realize national politics is not about initiating or inspiring real, positive change. The party demigods are not looking for economic growth, cultural maturity, or international prosperity. What's at stake is power pure and simple. Gain as much power as feasible while avoiding responsibility to the maximum extent possible. An approach guaranteed to be disastrous for Americans.

People are trusting by nature, they naively believe, for a time each election season, that the powers that be (political parties and their privileged masters) actually care about values, or working class prosperity, or national security. The elite and the parties they command manipulate the hapless masses with disingenuous words and the allure of money to consolidate and secure power.

So distracted earning livings, raising families, and attempting to enjoy life, citizens have both knowingly and unwittingly forfeited personal power concentrating both power and wealth in the hands of a few. Not wanting to become involved in the messy, difficult work of governing we abdicate responsibility. Rather than take up the cause of freedom the people entrust their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to those willing to wield power - to whatever ends.

For the United States to survive as a democracy, and as a nation, this contradiction must cease. Power and responsibility go hand in hand. In America that power and responsibility does, should and ought to rest with the people. Running from responsibility sacrifices power. Results speak for themselves.

It is time we all assume our duty as free citizens and take on the burden of responsibility. Only by exercising the power we possess can we be assured of a responsible, responsive government. Politicians are not more knowledgeable or capable then well informed citizens - they should not be entrusted with more power. For American democracy to endure Americans must work at governing. Let's begin.


Copyright (c) 2012 Scott F Paradis