Today is Election Day in the US, and I am thinking about political leadership. Most disparage politicians because of the duplicity many portray. If someone is deemed to be a politician in the context of a church or company, it is often expressed in a derogatory manner. It is implied that this person does not mean what they say and that they are two-faced. No one wants to be their friend.
I don’t view politicians as a dirty bunch, a necessary evil, as a group we wish we could do without. Rather, the ideal way to view politicians is as public servants, and this is where their best role is found. We can respect public servants and follow them. We listen to them when we let them in. It’s because true politicians are servant leaders.
Public servants shape the future. Not all of them of course, but I see them as leaders, political leaders, who are willing to sacrifice to lead the way. If you don’t agree with the thrust of my argument, please consider this. Who prosecuted the war against Nazi Germany for the US? It’s the politician, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Do you not have respect even for him?
If we can have respect for FDR, why not challenge ourselves to stop putting down politicians and look for leaders? Let’s support and honor political leaders who challenge us, who work for beautiful futures and lofty visions.
