How do You Relate to Your Leaders?

While I have long held an interest in politics, I have been resolved to not broach that subject within the confines of this blog. My reasoning for this:

1. There are far too many blogs of this nature out there (for better or worse)
2. I don’t know exactly where I stand anymore

While I still hold a deep and abiding view that politics is a very important subject for all citizens to be both knowledgeable of and closely monitored, I can’t help this apathy I’ve obtained in the last few years. I admit that I am ashamed of this apathy, as I always felt that those who were apathetic to politics were just making excuses. However, I truly have become apathetic. I can really only think of one reason: The Practicing of Politics Requires Full Concealment.

Have you noticed the changes in the parties, candidates, and even the media as the political season gears up for another 1 1/2 year long Presidential race? Really, what becomes important? I am tired of watching the Sunday morning political shows where the politicians will be asked about their stance on the Iraq war, and end up reminiscing over their Grandmother’s all-American apple pie that they ate fresh out of the oven when they were kids. The politicians will answer questions with no answer at all, and I really am tired of it.

Perhaps this is our fault (as a nation). Perhaps we hold expectations that are too high for any one person to even attempt to attain. Indeed, perhaps we make it impossible for people to actually answer questions with how they honestly feel. Is President Bush a conservative? Well, perhaps socially, but not fiscally. And, to be honest, it depends upon which group you were to ask. Perhaps the religious right would say he’s socially conservative, while other conservative think-tanks would say he’s not fiscally conservative. We have neo-cons, liberals, moderates, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, religious, non-religious, blah blah blah. I truly long for the candidate who will just say what he or she thinks, without fear of which group they might forsake support.

This post is turning into more of a rant than I intended, but I haven’t posted in a couple of weeks, and it has been building. There is another area that truly disturbs me in politics: Religion.

I watched the Republican debate on Fox a week or two ago…Did you know that for each candidate, they would list on the screen as they were speaking what religious persuasion they hold? It was absolutely astounding to me. Everyone was a Christian, of some form or another, oh, and one Mormon. We have politicians wanting to make sure they are seen entering and leaving church, quoting the bible, and generally trying to appeal to the “family values” of the America of a bygone era. I am tired of feeling like I’m being pandered to in the vain hope of getting my vote.

I understand the reasoning behind this religious focus. If someone holds the same, or similar, religious views I do, then the chances are good that they will hold the same values as I. This makes complete sense, however, I can’t help but wonder if there isn’t a better way to relate to our leaders. I feel that all of this religious pandering that the candidates do throughout these campaigns really cheapens the religions and those who support them because of these views. Think about this, how does the phrase “religious right” make you feel? How about the group “Christian Coalition,” or the “Family Research Council,” or “Focus on the Family?” My point is not to speak out against these groups per se, but instead, bring to mind the emotion and anger that these groups can bring out among the masses. The same can be said for “Moveon.org” and the “ACLU.” While those last two aren’t religious, they do raise the same emotions from the other side.

Here’s what I would like to see. A man or woman, answering the questions asked, giving their opinions, giving their plans, and giving their goals for what they want accomplished in their Presidency. Stop telling me that you’re for “Family Values,” and then not tell me what that means. How many candidates have been for “family values” and had opposite views on abortion, homosexuality, and the role of religion in government? Many. What are family values? Whose family? How is that family made up? Wife, husband, 2.4 kids? Or…single mother raising her two children with a minimum wage job and living in tenaments?

I think we need more Americans as Politicians, not politicians that happen to be Americans.