Submission by Dr. Glenn Mollette
Men and women who run for political office must be people of the people and for the people. Political jobs are jobs that serve the public. Anyone who holds office must understand that he or she is serving a large number of people.
Holding office comes with a great deal of expectation and pressure. If the kitchen is too hot, then get out of the kitchen. Political jobs are often hot jobs that can quickly reach boiling temperatures. People get upset about potholes in the road. The price of gasoline and monthly electric bills are infuriating. People become angry when water and trash bills are too high. Somebody gets blamed for all of it, and that blame usually falls on political leadership. If you are in office, don’t be surprised when people are upset with you. They may stay upset for most of your tenure.
At the same time, a person in political office has the opportunity to make many friends. People appreciate politicians who will speak to them, treat them kindly, and listen to what they have to say. If you do even a little of this, your local community may name a bridge, road, or building after you. Communities usually respond positively when leaders genuinely try to do a decent job.
Years ago, my dad was approved for federal black lung benefits after working in the mines for more than 35 years. Congressman Carl Perkins personally called him to deliver the news. It was impressive that a United States Congressman, sitting in Washington, D.C., would call our small Appalachian home with news that meant so much to my mother and father.
Politicians who become too high and mighty to make phone calls, visit communities, sit in people’s homes, or respond to emails and texts are often not appreciated. We are all people, and we all put our pants on the same way.
When President Lyndon Johnson visited Inez, Kentucky, in 1964, he made global news sitting on the porch of a poor eastern Kentucky family. It was a photo opportunity tied to his campaign against poverty, but it worked. When politicians visit people, shake hands, and show interest and compassion, people tend to respond positively.
Most Americans appreciate politicians who are approachable and act like they genuinely care. At the same time, I want to know what a politician plans to accomplish during his or her time in office. There is work to be done. Taxes are too high. The cost of living remains too expensive. There is still work to do at America’s border. The issue of illegal immigration is not resolved. We must continue striving for peace in the Middle East, and much more.
The point is, we cannot elect someone simply because he or she is a good ol’ fellow. Political office carries serious responsibility and should not be handed to someone solely because they are an all-around nice person. However, if you are running for office, it certainly won’t hurt you to be one.
Feature photo: The Nixon library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
