With Liberty and Justice for All

The morning of May 22, 2012, I went to see my kindergartener in a patriotic assembly for Memorial Day. The principal instructed us to turn and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Something I have said so many times, but I really heard the words today.

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Understanding Political Will

Political will, what an elected official is willing to do. How to deal with it when it is with you? How to deal with it when it’s against you? Find out in this informative Civil Citizen blog.

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Political Strategists: Knowing a candidate’s political strategist can tell you more about them than any speech.

Political strategists make and break political careers. They hold a lot of political power but are able to avoid much of the public scrutiny that would normally accompany a position of power.

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When Talking Points Attack

It’s important for every Civil Citizen to know about talking points. Talking points are specific points that a politician, political party or special interest group wants you to know. Like an advertisement there are varying levels of truth to these statements. We have seen some masters of the talking point, I must say many from the Republican Party.

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Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid too expensive? What can be done?

There has been a lot of discussion lately about what is called entitlements in Washington. These are social safety nets but in place in the past to help the poor and the elderly who are no longer able to work. Before these types of things were taken care of, either by extended families or by the Church. Yet in the past century people have looked to the government to provide services by using taxpayer money to take care of these important needs.

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What makes a great candidate?

What makes a great candidate? There seems to be plenty examples out there of what we as Civil Citizens don’t want. Yet, what qualifies someone as a great candidate?

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Do we really need a year of Presidential campaigning? Will the country survive?

Watching the June 13, Republican debates begs the question does the old way of running long campaigns still make sense in the modern era?

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Getting lost in the fog of political rhetoric

Politics today is reminiscent of pre-school children. Throwing temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. Claiming the entire sandbox to be “Mine!”. Calling the opposition foolish names and saying “I want that, I want this.” without rationalizing the cost. They can want all they want but if it doesn’t make fiscal sense than it’s not going to happen. Made up, unrealistic numbers can be thrown out in a speech, however if they have no basis in reality they are worthless to the American public.

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Leaders in title only

There are many people who hold leadership roles in communities and organizations. Some are really good at what they do. Yet, anyone who has interacted in these circles will soon discover that there are two types of people involved in boards and commissions. The activist who is very engaged and puts everything into the endeavor and all too common the people who are in it for the title and the boost that gives to their resume.

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Activism and public service can be lethal.

The unimaginable shooting of Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson on January 8, 2011 and the violent demise of Osama bin Laden on the opposite side of the spectrum May 1, 2011 that was deemed appropriate by many brings to mind the ultimate consequence that may be taken on by anyone who deems themselves an activist or who puts themselves out in public service. Are you willing to die in the line of public service?

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