Model Politician

I was positive that the first post on this site would be related to tasteless mud slinging in the name of change, reform, fortitude, new government or some other common political platform buzzword. I had hoped for a little more time to spruce up Model Politician before the masses landed here to gain more political insight than being on a campaign committee (note the heavy use of sarcasm - but your visit is greatly appreciated!). But, alas! What is this - a story rich with American political culture.

I recall holding a mock election in 1980 with my 4th-grade classmates. The class seemed to hold the candidates (Reagan and Carter) in somewhat high esteem - there was a buzz about the room during the count. It was the kind of support you might see for a role model. We, of course, were far too young to understand that while it is good to be informed, politics are no playground and politicians are no role models!

Perhaps this is why democratic candidates, full of vigor, generally appeal to the young idealist - hoping for change, yearning to be part of the generation who forged a different path, but often too young to appreciate the moral values and the long, pounding, process it is to actually get the American ship moving in another direction.

…And why republicans generally appeal to folks who have worked hard to get where they are in life, despite the hardships. Who, in and of themselves, thought that despite shifting public sentiment related to domestic economic and foreign hurdles they needed to “stay the course” to keep the American machine steaming ahead - don’t fix what ain’t broke…

Take a quick glance at the two following quotes: 

1. “…We must transform our government so that it is as ethical and wise as all of New York…”
2. “…I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public to whom I promised better.”

So he who served as New York’s Chief of Labor and Racketeering Unit, sought reform on Wall Street to protect the unrepresented shareholders, and finally called for New Yorkers to hold themselves to a higher standard and return their state to its former glory…issues a formal public apology for letting his constituents down by means of a prostitution scandal.

This seems to be a recurring theme among politicians (note the intended omission of lately). Quote #1 above sure sounds like a “call for change” to me. Given that statements like this continuously rally the masses to put these political charlatans into office, we should expect more and more future letdowns. Don’t know about you, but I am absolutely fed-up with this rhetoric! Time and time again the American people are swindled into electing a self-proclaimed champion of democracy only to be let down  in another scandal.

Despite the sentiment that proclaims politicians are human and thus susceptible to human error, these people still represent our country!!! They are on an international stage and often serve as the first impression for international leaders and cultures.  We need to hold these people to a higher standard!!!

In the military, the UCMJ prescribes jail time and dishonorable discharge for soldiers, airmen, seaman, and marines who commit adultery - let alone engaging in the CRIMINAL act of prostitution. Why is Eliot Spitzer even being given the opportunity to resign?!?!?! HE ADMITTED HIS INVOLVEMENT!!!  Platforms of hypocrisy - definitely not Model Politics; Eliot Spitzer - Client 9 - definitely not a Model Politician