Wednesday; September 16

As we grow closer to the upcoming elections, I think it is time for a word from the old sage, Will Rogers.  In a quote attributed to him in 1927 he notes, “Politics is the only sporting events in the world where they don’t pay off for second money; a man to run second in any other event in the world it’s an honor. But any time he runs second for President it’s not an honor; it’s a pity.”.  While a lot of what the Oklahoman observed might be characterized as tongue-in-cheek, I find this very insightful.  We live in time and place where winning the political game is the end-all.  Yet, is that what our nation’s politics really all about?  When we reflect on the way things can be, I think it is important to keep the process in mind.  Sure, winners get a seat at the table of authority, but all of us:  the winners, the losers, the voters, the moderators are a part of the process.  By exchanging opinions (even adversarial ones), by discussing what is – and what can be – we get a chance to make things better.

As we continue into this election season, let’s keep the big picture in mind.  Our goal is to make this nation and it’s citizens better.  When that is the goal, there will never really be losers!

Think About It!

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