Why (Good) Politicians are Important
I know some people abhor politics. And that is ok, people should be free to not participate. But, like it or not, politics and politicians are important to our way of life, our ongoing existence and our freedoms. If peaceful means of resolving disputes fail, ultimately our military personnel get called into action and people begin to die.
My son Todd once asked me why I got involved in political polling. If I was answering today I might have included something like the following. ‘Right now, it is the political skills of a handful of people that stand between us and nuclear war. If Vladimir Putin is not resisted he will gradually conquer country after country much like Hitler did in the 1930’s and 40’s. He needs to be stopped by something short of a nuclear war that would destroy us all’.
We are reliant on a handful of people to somehow negotiate an end to Putin’s efforts with as little future loss of life as possible. These include the presidents or leaders of the USA , Ukraine, Russia, China, Britain, France with some input from other countries. Their actions will determine the direction of the world order for the next decade or so. We need people in these jobs who are as politically skillful as possible. They are involved at the highest level in resolving societal issues. Also by virtue of their aptitudes, proven abilities and experience they are the most skillful people we have to do the job. And need them to do this job successfully.
I had a role in politics in Canada as a pollster and adviser in all provinces and nationally. I was playing a small part in the process of resolving and directing societal issues. And I was doing it to the best of my ability. I was providing a professional service to a (admittedly imperfect) political process. It is a privilege to have had this opportunity.
Why is it important that world political issues are resolved; that country issues are resolved; that issues in Canadian provinces are resolved; that city issues are resolved; that issues of ports and marinas are resolved? It’s so my sons didn’t have to go fight in a war, so my grandchildren have access to freedom, education and opportunity, so the many wonderful charming people I know, who do not have an interest in politics, can bring their joy to a prosperous, free world (and not one constrained by the heavy hand of some state or from a concentration camp). We don’t want to live under Russian or Chinese control - not even American control - nor incompetent poorly guided federal or provincial policies - now or ever.
Corny perhaps, but I believe that as a leader it is my responsibility to do what I can. And that is why I think my honourable participation in the political process, with all its flaws, is something for me to be proud of.
