When I need inspiration, I just look on the walls of my study, which feature photos like this one of "Gus" (Robert Duvall from "Lonesome Dove") to remind me of character, commitment and the wisdom of experience. We need those values in Washington and our State capitals as we wrestle with the issues of the day. Especially healthcare. The significant challenge du jour. Let's put ourselves in Gus's persona to consider our response.
"Gus" from Lonesome Dove. Photo by screenwriter and photographer Bill Wittliff
Dismantling The Obama Legacy
Obama was a political novice, but achieved a lot against overwhelming political odds. He had relentless avowed Republican obstructionism and ineffectual Democratic leadership support. The Affordable Care Act was his most significant legislative victory, though it was flawed by not benefiting from bipartisan creation or support. Obama was compelled to utilize Executive Orders to bypass the stalemated legislative process.
Trump is using Executive Orders to attempt to roll back or repeal Obama administration policies. He claims these actions honor his campaign pledges to his "base," but it also appears that these are distracting activities to mask an inability to achieve success on his own. History will note that Obama will be one of our most admired Presidents, while Trump is the most unpopular and least productive President of any President in modern history, through his first 10 months of office. Gus would join us in disapproval.
The Mueller Efforts
Special Counsel Mueller leads an outstanding investigative team considering obstruction of justice, Russian interference in our elections, and other corruption and fraud charges relative to Trump, his extended family and associates. Mueller is thorough and methodical, is interviewing a wide array of players and analyzing thousands of electronic and paper documents. It is expected that he will report findings by Spring of 2018, hopefully sooner.
The Critical Issues of the Day Need Attention
The issues of healthcare, infrastructure, natural disasters, immigration, international diplomacy, opioid addiction and tax reform would be overwhelming enough if we had responsive government. But we don't. We have incompetent and inefficient Cabinet administration, political in-fighting and a dysfunctional Congress. Ineffective leadership at many levels. The President wants to punt the issues to Congress, where they generally belong, but Congress wants to punt them to the states. Where many, like Texas, Kansas, Louisiana and others have already shown a notable inability to honorably handle their own affairs. Government needs to function effectively at every level. We the people have to expect and work for better.
So, What Do We Do? We Take Government Seriously.
My photo from the Texas Capital...Women's March, 2017...
We act and communicate and develop strategic alliances with gatekeepers at many levels. We remind ourselves that while the media buzz seems to emanate from Washington and our state capitals, the government that affects us most directly is local. Our school board, city council, county commissioners and major non-profits are the organizations that spend our money and have the most direct influence on our quality of life. And those are the potential collaborations where we can most realistically have an impact. Where we, our children and friends can join in true community building. Where we can join with a diversity of our neighbors and extended communities to build bridges, blend cultures, share food, music, smiles and outstretched hands...Together. Not a pipe dream if we make it happen.
Gus McCrae, The Mosey and Us...
Robert Duvall's Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae had earned his Texas Ranger spurs with his spurs, his guns, his smarts, his sense of humor and his homemade biscuits. And he mastered the "Mosey," whether he knew it or not. He slowed down, paid attention, got informed and acted accordingly. Or he wouldn't have lasted so long.
I get in ruts. In my personal life, in my community life. You might, too. Occasionally, I'll ask my friend in the mirror, "Are you effective, or just busy?" An honest answer may prompt me down a more productive and rewarding path. Good Luck on your journey. LET'S MOSEY!