“Oh, you only fight the fights you can win? You fight the fights that
need fighting!”
I love the political process; I just can’t stand many
politicians.I would not want other type
of government than the one we currently have – democracy – a government by the
people.Sadly, democracy at the state
and national level has become big business with much money at stake for those
who we elect as well as those doing the electing (the constituents) as
evidenced by the millions spent on campaigns.Whenever money and power are introduced to any situation, you always run
the risk of corruption and abuse of power.That is the reality of the world we live in and not to simplify it, it
still comes down to Choices that those in these roles make.
(Click
Here) for a story in Lawrence, Massachusetts where the city’s mayor is
also a state representative.Many
critics are calling this a conflict of interest but as Mayor/State Representative
William Lantigua will tell you; this is what the people want based on their
votes.But as you will read in the
article, Lawrence has some serious financial problems and other leaders want
Lantigua to focus on one job or the other.Hence the balancing act.
I appreciate Lantigua not taking the often used approach of
so many politicians of ignoring the pink elephant or not commenting on it and
just smiling and giving clichés.This is
the defensive approach and hoping it too shall pass.Heck no! Lantigua appears to be going on the
offensive and telling his critics and other leaders to basically (fill in your
own phrase here – such as “bite me”, “go shit in your hat”, “do something to yourselves”,
etc.).Part of me appreciates this
approach as the best way to deal with snipers or attacks is to expose them or hit
back.But will this ultimately allow
for the best results for him as a leader and more importantly for his town and
his constituents?
I am witnessing this first hand in my town as I have written
about a huge vote coming in March to get among other things a new high school
and fire station with price tags of about $40 million and $3.5 million
respectively.This will result in higher
taxes for residents and there are loud positive voices for the passing of both
these warrant articles (how are town government form of democracy works) as
well as loud negative voices trying to convince people to vote against
them.Just like we see in so many other
elections, campaigns can get nasty with name calling, mudslinging, accusations,
rumors and dissemination of inaccurate information either by accident or strategically
placed.
The balancing act is all about making the Choice on which
battles to fight and which ones not to.I do not know enough about the dynamics involving William Lantigua but
respect the fact he is taking a stand.Will his stand result him being more like the Colonials or Custer?When
it comes to battles, I go with my gut and our opening quote from the movie “The
American President”.
