Keeping the Bar Low

In politics, whether local school board elections, or district, state or even national races, legislation and problem solving rarely ever happens for simple reasons. Even axioms like "follow the money" seldom give the whole answer - even if they do point to a malodorous trail. The right posture, portrayed in the right light, can lead to policy that is not in the best interest of constituents.

Likewise, when politicking is at its best, the public can be served despite enormous odds against it. Yesterday afternoon, John Murtha passed away. He was a politician who excelled at finding ways to shape politics to benefit his constituents. He also famously came out against the Iraq war in 2005.

Politicians like Murtha fought for his own district, but also weren't afraid to risk political capital to stand up for what is right. Too often do politicians hem and haw about the election implications of taking a stand. One thing that Barack Obama did during his campaign, and which he has continued to do since entering office, is to avoid this lowering of the bar so as to always appear in the right as much as possible.

Of course his administration has downplayed results, and avoided taking explicit positions - they play politics 24 hours a day. However, more often than not, they have taken a position that accurately reflects the President's view on what is best for his constituents - the entire country. It says something that he has been lambasted by liberals and conservatives alike. It bears remarking that he has demanded political action on a scale not scene in generations while also candidly taking responsibility for errors. It is worth noting that he is both a constitutional scholar and a community organizer.

When politicians put reelection above their duty, or muddy the political landscape as a stall tactic, it harms their electorate, plain and simple.

Instead of a weak and vacillating Government, a single, purposeful, energetic personality is ruling today.
Hjalmar Schacht

Just don't put too much stock in one man's personality...