A Reminder of How We Got Here

Since you expect me to keep you informed from only the most credible sources, I harken back to “Airplane,” when someone said, “First the earth cooled, and then the dinosaurs came.” Let’s just accept that, and move waaaay forward. I mean how we got here in governance…politically.

Our plight can’t be attributed to one political party, or any singular leader. It wasn’t the Bushes, Clintons, Obama or Trump. No, it was all of them, and all of We The People. Over several administrations, our friends in the mirror (and possibly our parents) were complicit in enabling a BIPARTISAN, yes, BIPARTISAN Congress to serve their own ideological and partisan interests, not the best interests of their too often pliant and impressionable constituents. Thus, we wound up with frequently reelected, increasingly wealthier incumbents, while We The People wound up with less education, inequitable healthcare, less economic opportunity, crumbling infrastructure, interminable financially-draining war efforts, etc., etc.

In 2016, enough folks were mad enough to get rid of the same old, same old, and Trump got voted in to shake up the Washington status quo, be disruptive, and hopefully set us “free” from incompetent, ineffective governance.

“Be Careful What You Wish For”…Etc., Etc.

The problem is, we got Trump. I don’t have time, and you don’t need any more Trump descriptives from anyone. By now, most of us know all too well. Yes, even most of his “base” can’t ignore the truth. And, it might not be so bad, were he not surrounded by the likes of Ben Carson, Betsy DeVoss, Stephen Miller, Kellyanne, et.al., giving him counsel, guidance and program assistance. Most of the seasoned “adults in the room” have been fired or have left on their own. It takes a village, yet this crowd makes it almost impossible to isolate the village idiot. But, I digress.

We wound up with one of the most incompetent administrations in history. Dangerously incompetent. Cabinet leadership unworthy of their positions. Nothing new to politics, excusable if there are strong supporting staffs. But, no. Agencies are understaffed to serve their missions, and too many “acting” appointments make it impossible to muster competent issue responses. Laughable, were it not so dangerous. We have no State Dept., no trade negotiators, no Education and Health department depth to serve critical needs. And, now the virus.

How The Virus (And Election) Might Save Us

Our Founding Fathers gave us a governance structure in anticipation of such as we’re facing now with the virus challenge. They and their successors realized that the expanded experience and expertise of deliberative bodies would best serve communal interests. Elected representatives would deliberate the issues at hand and govern in the best interests of all involved (at least in theory). This current D.C. crop are the poster children for why we must vote better governance.

The Trump administration is scrambling to appear to be on top of the virus, but we know they had previously cut the funding for many health officials and science-based programs that would have better reacted to CDC warnings, had they been in place. Another of many examples of government being ill-prepared and reactionary, instead of well-prepared, anticipatory and responsive. A timely lesson to better inform us as we weigh our expectations and responsibility in the upcoming elections. We don’t want “less government.” We need the RIGHT GOVERNMENT for changing needs, times and technologies. That requires thoughtful officials who understand how government best complements diverse cultures with their dynamic economic, educational and societal challenges and opportunities. Folks who can think, act, communicate and LEAD.

Electing Responsive Leadership

Bernie Sanders is a good man, and I’m glad he’s prompting progressive conversation. But he’s NOT the leader for our times. He’s accomplished little in his many years in Congress, has not attracted colleagues to join his rhetorical battles, and has little to show for his time in Washington. I greatly admire Mayor Pete, Andrew Yang, Julian Castro and Tom Steyer, and hope we’ll see them in active civic roles. But, they and others who are having trouble gaining traction are not yet ready for the top spot. (Though I could see some cabinet possibilities.)

In my opinion, we need seasoned leaders who have a good working understanding of government, have a track record in public service, and can implement action and legislation in our public interest. Biden, Bloomberg, Klobuchar and Warren come closest to meeting those requirements for me. Coupled with capable, experienced veep candidates and joined by inspiring Cabinet leadership, we can reclaim the stature of this Country that we’re watching slip away.

It’s Now Up To Us

The greatest contribution of this current administration is to remind us of what happens when we let down our guard, become too complacent, lack sufficient information, and lose sight of our role in WE THE PEOPLE. Most of us, in our heart of hearts, know better. Our Better Angels are tapping us on the shoulder. We are given the opportunity, through the election process, to change course…if we choose. Let’s honor this sacred trust, engage our Friend In The Mirror, and consider our children and grandchildren as we choose (elect) wisely.