Why getting involved in the political process is NOT worth it

The obvious follow up to my previous construct has a very simple and direct answer:

It doesn't matter.

Whatever you do or say or support from a political standpoint really makes no difference at all. We live in quite the fantasy if we think who we vote or campaign or cheer for from the couch really has any kind of impact. Truly, we have no power and are simply game pieces be to moved and sacrificed when the time is right. We promote with bumper stickers and read the cue cards they give us.

Think for a moment about how much effort it takes to impact a community, much less a nation, in any capacity. Jesus Christ! Have you ever been to a city council or a school board meeting?!?! Monotonous dribble until there is some crisis and then they "allow" the general public to come and complain...everyone gets their 3 minute tirade. It can take months of concerted effort to get a stop sign moved or a gutter repaired - imagine some type of real policy change that has the peoples best interest in mind and not the politicians? Hard to do, isn't it. See if you can get your congressperson or senator on the phone?

Once on a bathroom wall I read this philosophical insight:

"If voting really made a difference - do you think it would be legal?"

Why is getting involved in the political system NOT worth it? Simple: You will be let down. You'll work yourself into a frenzy and then quietly slip to the back of the crowd when held accountable for a platform you never endorsed or actions you can't stomach.

Give up on this fraudulent system and find another way outside the lines.

Ivan L

Why getting involved in the political system is worth it

It is no real confession on my part to say that I am not/was not a fan of the Bush administration. Those who live in my community, walk the same halls I haunt, or have ever seen my reading list could easily peg me as a non-appreciator of the slightly, moderately, or extremely right. Hate is too strong a word. I like to reserve that for the most dastardly villains and sins. However, confused or embarrassed or disgusted might be applicable terms I have uttered in the past.

But the political process is a funny thing. Just like history, it takes a big picture vision to grasp a more balanced and valued understanding of just what has happened before and what might happen next.

No - I am not about to turn Red on you.

Why getting involved in the political process is worth it comes down to the fact that now our current president is my choice, my guy, on my side, and representing my views. I won! And believe you me, I am certainly grateful this man is our leader. But I must say (as wifey and I have discussed) He isn't doing every single thing the way I hoped he would. He has been slow on a few points and maybe moved too quickly on others. The honeymoon isn't over, but I am beginning to understand the type of committed relationship it takes to make vows to a president and deal with the implications that they still may leave the cap off the toothpaste or dirty socks on the floor.

I have some sympathy for W. He didn't have an easy world or time to govern and I do not despise him as a human being (anymore). Do I think he misled our country? Drove us to unnecessary war? Is responsible for much of the financial crisis we are presently treading water in? Yes. Do I hope Dick Cheney gets appropriately tared an feathered for his wicked ways that side-stepped justice. Absolutely.

But to be fair, I am quite worried about our involvement in Afghanistan. We are spending a ridiculous amount of money to fix the economy. I hope for health care and education reform. I would like to see marriage available for all people and a much more sustainable society all around. I hope MY president does what I want. But I know that history and the big picture will tell the story more honestly than the present media ever will. So, I wait patiently. It hasn't even been 6 months yet?! Right?

Why is it worth it to get involved in the political system? It makes you slightly more understanding of the other side and gives you the perspective that leading, on any level, in any capacity, is not an easy thing to do. Something I am sure 44 is figuring out like the previous 43.

Go O!

Ivan L

Nite Nite, Sleep...uh...tight?

Only in the South

4 in 4

In only the 4th year since women were afforded suffrage in Kuwait, 4 women will hold posts in the ground breaking new session.

- CNN Reports

-- As one of the first four female lawmakers ever elected to Kuwait's parliament, Aseel al-Awadhi knows she has a tough road ahead in the conservative Gulf state's male-dominated legislature. Rola Dashti is one of four women who won parliamentary seats in the recent elections in Kuwait.

Still, victory is sweet.

"Even before the results, people were piling up to congratulate me either from my own district or from other districts," al-Awadhi, a university instructor, told CNN Sunday.

"I think that shows you the tremendous amount of support for women's role in politics," she said. "And I think today I can confidently say that [the] gender issue is history in Kuwait -- I mean, regarding women's role in politics."

Men have filled the seats of Kuwait's parliament for nearly five decades, and it was only four years ago that the country granted women the right to vote and run for office.

This is monumental in process and structure for Arab women. Especially considering they hold the lowest % of any group on earth in parliament or Government leadership (around 9%). Lets hope this is the beginning of a more egalitarian dialogue around the world on women's rights and leadership gifts.

But before you look down your nose and shrug off how unfairly women are treated in these "other" places. Here’s some info on the U.S. and it’s positive and negative stats on women in Government.

In 2009, 90 women serve in the U.S. Congress. Seventeen women serve in the Senate, and 73 women serve in the House. The number of women in statewide elective executive posts is 74, while the proportion of women in state legislatures is at 24.3 percent.

Women in state legislatures? All states are fortunate to have some.

Colorado is the highest ranked with 39%. SC is the lowest with 10%. 7 of the bottom 10 are from the south.

27 of our states have never had a woman Governor.

8 states presently have women Governors.

2 states have never had a women in Congress – MS and Iowa.

The international Average of women in Parliament around the globe is less than 20% - 4 to 1 in favor of men.

- Center for American Women in Politics

Now, what's the global gender breakdown you ask? 50/50. Still room for improvement.

Ivan L

Giving.....up

I work in the type of vocational arena that requires heavy doses of compassion, understanding, patience, and most of...self-giving. It's a field where people often need a supportive word or gesture along the way. It can require 2nd and 3rd chances and even some brutal honesty at just the right moment.

This field also requires a wise and intelligent leader - of which I am a reasonable facsimile. I'm not the wizziest of kids, but with some hard work, a fair amount of talent and some commitment to those I serve, the balance sheet most always ends up in the red. Maybe that is why, for me, experiences of disappointment and being let down seem to cause so much internal damage.

I have often wished I was the hard ass. The one who doesn't care what you really think and you can take it or leave it. The fleeting moments of arrogance or insensitivity I attempt end up leaving me second guessing my actions or words a few hours later. There's truly no way around having your gifts match your personality. If empathy were not in my tool box of skills, I certainly wouldn't feel bad when I get hurt. And vice-verse...If I weren't damaged by others opinions or responses to me or my actions then I most likely wouldn't have the feelings to respond to their needs or challenges.

Before I sound like a complete wuss...let me explain.

Say you have this project or task that takes years to complete. You pace yourself and slowly but diligently assess, advise, support, and construct until the project is finished. Then, after all the hard work, all the overtime, all the consultations, all the re-starts and new directions the project is marched out to the pedestal for the world to see. The praises for the project are high. The work is regarded as top notch. You know you have gone above and beyond the call of duty to complete the task and make it a success. Then, without justification or explanation, the project simply marches out the door and all those who admire it fall in line and you are left with the empty easel. No thank you. No pat on the back. No well done good and faithful servant.

I have recently reached my fill of these moments and have burned enough compassionate energy on others who seem ungrateful and selfish that I could fuel an entire fleet of Hummers delivering mail uphill in the smog filled urban area of your choice. I’m simply tired of it.

Get out the fork. Plug in the toaster. It is finished.

Ivan L

Old

It has happened. The moment of self evaluation has arrived and I am convinced without a doubt that I am now, as of yesterday, officially and unarguably....old.

Typically this realization comes with a massive flip of the birthday odometer...where all the 9's line up and then BAM! You're into the next group of hundred-thousands. However, I have recently passed one of these age mile markers with few ill effects.

Sometimes, it may occur as you recognize a physical change (or worse - someone else recognizes it)! Maybe the hair line is starting to retreat. It could be a rounder middle or some grey moving into various body hairs. In fact, the entire machine itself could break down in some capacity. You realize - thru injury or complete exhaustion that you ain't the one you use to be.

All normal and acceptable acknowledgements of maturity...

My experience was far different and much more insidious.

I was finishing a nice bike ride in and about our small community...a Mayberryish tour passing businesses and thru neighborhoods. Reaching a large park where some of our future Major Leaguers were practicing the long ball, I noticed a ball over the fence and near the road. I stopped, picked up the ball and then - in the most grandpaish, AARP discount carded fashion you could ever imagine, tossed it back over the fence, underhanded.

Underhanded.

What a complete wimp. When did I start throwing underhanded? What's wrong with me? I couldn't muster up enough adult manhood to make a simple grownup baseball throw? I couldn't pull back and let one rip - even if I had to throw my arm out in the process?!

I quickly looked around to see if anyone had seen me do this. I fully expected a sit-com laugh track to play due to my slapstick impersonation of someone without an ounce of youthful athleticism left in them. I'm surprised I wasn't wearing navy blue dress socks with some all white Reebok's. Or maybe I had my hearing aid turned down so low I couldn't hear the populace ridiculing my performance. Do they sell arm Viagra?

But there I was, back on my bike, riding home, the one who thought he was still cool. Thinking he was Andy Griffith, but discovering he might be closer to Mattlock. Watch out for me on the road. I'll be the one who has had the turn signal on for the last 3 miles.

Ivan L