There Is No Substitute For Good Policy

   Politics has always been, and will always be, a messy and contentious business. Even in a constitutional democracy the best interest of the republic is not often served. There are so many competing interests; each with an all or nothing mentality, all seeking special favor and advantage over the rest of populace. Sadly there is no shortage of people in government who are willing to do the bidding of special interest in exchange for financial gain or political support.
   Candidates often campaign as a champion of  one segment of society at the expense of another. An honest statesman looks for and promotes policies that are fair to all interests. Our fight is not against each other. What is truly good, and valuable to our country in the long run. Are policies that are not punitive to one, while giving an advantage to another. The fight is not between rich and poor, liberal or conservative, business or labor. Our fight is with bad policy that is unfair to one side, while preferring the other. The reason we have so much difficulty in addressing what is harmful, wasteful or even foolish when making laws or regulations. Because  it is much easier to play on peoples base, self serving instincts, than appealing to the better, more thoughtful side of their nature.It is much easier to work the electorates outrage than to rationally enlighten them..
    Any time used to try and destroy individuals we do not politically agree with, in my opinion is waisted. The electorate needs to know about nuts and bolts, how things work and how all sides are effected by a given piece of legislation. They need educated on how what is temporarily beneficial to them now, may harm others, or even be a detriment to them later. Much of our politics is about individuals rather than policy. We all get caught up in smashing our opponents, while neglecting the work it takes to come up with solutions.
   I suppose there are those who disagree with my political or religious views, who consider themselves my enemy. I feel my obligation toward them is to enlighten them, not to ruin them. The best way to promote my agenda, is to spend my time promoting and defending it. We can spend all our time ascribing sinister motives to those who do not agree with us. We can question their compassion or intellect, but that does not fix anything. It only entrenches them in their position further. Good government is not about personality. It is about sound, clear thinking policy. It is not about getting what is advantageous  for our career, party or even our constituents. It is what is the best and fairest to all the people effected by a policy. In the long run good policy does not give advantage to any, while protecting the interest of all.
    There is no substitute for good and fair policy. Not intellect, charisma or political skills. A candidate can be savvy, and a highly skilled politician when it comes to getting what they want. Yet, if what they want, is an unfair advantage for those who support them; they are not only hurting the rest of the country, they in long run are hurting their own supporters. Politics runs in cycles. Those on top will be on bottom sooner or later. Knowing that, I believe it is best to promote equitable solutions while one is on top; rather than giving away some kind of advantage and favoritism to our supporters to stay in power.