Reading the op-ed pages of the New York Times this morning, I see David Brooks pointing out that ‘weirdness wins’ in the current presidential race (the nation craves drama). Over in letters to the editor, Governor Sarah Palin continues as the star attraction (example: “she accomplishes the much needed ingredient . . . she is interesting”).
I agree that Governor Palin is interesting, and I even think she’s fun to look at. But here’s what I find really interesting: democracy is about leadership, not entertainment. What are Palin, McCain, Obama and Biden saying about their actual plans for health care, the economy and global warming? Or, more important by far than their words, what have they done about those problems in their careers of political leadership thus far?
I enjoy entertainment plenty, and many of my posts are about fun, sociability, etc. But democracy needs more from its citizens than sitting back and being entertained by political candidates. It need active minds and pointed questions. Eighty percent of U. S. citizens think the country is off-track. This election is enormously important. It needs all of our critical thinking skills, not a hunger for endless entertainment.
In these next six weeks leading up to the election, let’s remember that democracy is about leadership, not entertainment. We as voting citizens are part of that leadership.
Related Posts:
- The Hard Work Of Being A Citizen
- Another VP Candidate Wedded to Fossil Fuels
- A Shout-Out For Senator Biden
You’re so right, its quite scary to see such important politics being trivilaised as entertainment. And from where i am (admittedly another country) Palin may look interesting and entertaining, but she also looks quite a scary prospect for the future….
I am revved up by McCain/Palin for the simple fact that they are not lawyers, and they are willing to buck the system. Now if only we can toss out the entire House of Reps and get some regular folks in there, ready to commit to fixing the mess in one term and going back home.
Now THAT would be progress.
Andy, I used your comment and my response in today’s post (Wed. Sept. 10th). Thanks for writing!
I like your comment, “…here is what I find really interesting… democracy is about leadership, not entertainment.” True that Ms. Palin is lively and fashionable, suitable for magazine covers. Obama is also interesting, too, in that he is black, articulate, good-looking etc. But what I will be voting for is a leader who will start us on the path of preventing our planet from collapsing and who is less hypnotized by corporate interests; Obama is by far the best candidate for this, as well as for upholding many of my values.