#1137 – Dick Bernard: "Politics" and "Politicians" and "Bureaucrats"

Click photos to enlarge them. Tomorrows post on “Gridlock” in Minnesota and Washington.

Rep. JoAnn Ward meets with constituents Jun 20, 2016

Rep. JoAnn Ward meets with constituents Jun 20, 2016


The subject of this post has been on my mind for a long time. Very recent events make today an appropriate time to share a few thoughts and photos: Donald Trump has made his formal entry into the Presidential campaign by trashing Hillary Clinton (who I have, since 2008, and continuing) supported as an eminently qualified candidate for President of the United States. The Republicans have been attempting to destroy her for at least 25 years now).
More on Hillary Clinton in a post to come later.
Last night began the “sit-in” by Congressional Democrats to escalate the attempt to get some action on Guns (I support this action, strongly). Also yesterday a good friend forwarded to me one of those “forwards” full of “facts” with absolutely no supporting citations, or claim of authorship, and, thus, unbelievable (yet believed by many, especially old white guys with computers.)
In short, it’s time….
Cong. Betty McCollum MN-4th CD May 4, 2016

Cong. Betty McCollum MN-4th CD May 4, 2016


Even the use of the words “politics” and “politicians” in this headline will turn off some readers.
“Politics” and “Politicians” are words that can be made to have an unpleasant, even icky, ring. Here’s one definition. I think the part which applies most to our democratic society in this country is: “5a: the total complex of relations between people living in society.”
Candidate for SD 53B Rep Alberder Gillespie meets citizens May 24, 2016

Candidate for SD 53B Rep Alberder Gillespie meets citizens May 24, 2016


In my view, Politics is all of us; everyone of us have to be “politicians”.

We’ll be electing a President in a few months, and the flood of publicity can make it seem that that the Presidency is the only election that matters: make Trump the President and CEO of the United States and all will be solved. The idea is ridiculous on its face, but many think that.
I tend to follow “politics” more than most; and perhaps I participate more than most as well. We go to fundraisers for candidates we support; this afternoon I’ll be in a local legislators unit in a local parade; I’m on the Board of a statewide group called the “DFL Senior Caucus” of the Democratic (DFL) party in Minnesota; I write stuff. In short, I try to show up.
Every reader is like me in that they are represented in many ways at many levels in our society.
MN Gov.. Mark Dayton May 24, 2016

MN Gov.. Mark Dayton May 24, 2016


Speaking personally, with no pretense of providing a complete list, here are some of the positions I (and all of us) are called to select by our vote: (whether I vote or not makes no difference, every action or inaction or foolish action is the same. It is a “vote”):
U.S. President (and Vice-President);
Two United States Senator, and one member of Congress;
State Governor, and several Constitutional Officers (Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General…;
One State Senator;
One State Legislator:
One County Commissioner;
A Mayor and Council People in my town;
Certain Judges;
School Board Members;
Homeowners Association Board officers and representatives;
and on and on and on.
State Sen Dist 53, Rep JoAnn Ward Dist 53A and Washington Co. Dist 2 Commissioner Stan Karwoski Jan. 31, 2016

State Sen Dist 53, Rep JoAnn Ward Dist 53A and candidate for Washington Co. Dist 2 Commissioner Stan Karwoski Jan. 31, 2016


I have an opportunity, and even an obligation, to help in whatever ways I can elected officials who are not on my ballot, by contributing money, or similarly. The tone of this country depends on who occupy the offices, as is ever more painfully obvious.
Then, there’s that “bureaucracy” that some love to hate:
Superintendent of Schools, Principals, Teachers
Fire and Police Department
City employees of all sorts
State Highway Departments and those who work for them, very visible in this season of road construction.
Public Hospitals, and Libraries, and Parks
This could also go on and on and on.
At the very least, we should be grateful that there are citizens who are willing to “step up to the plate” and seek and perform the duties of the very important jobs that need doing. Leadership is not an easy task.
At the very least, learn to know WHO represents you directly in the above positions, and others which are related. And consider developing a civil relationship with them, the more direct and active the better. They have a very hard job, trying to represent all of us.
At the Oakdale Summerfest Parade on June 23, with candidates JoAnn Ward, Betty McCollum and Susan Kent and perhaps fifteen others as part of this unit.

At the Oakdale Summerfest Parade on June 23, with candidates JoAnn Ward, Betty McCollum and Susan Kent and perhaps fifteen others as part of this unit.


Practicing the chant pre-Oakdale parade June 24.

Practicing the chant pre-Oakdale parade June 24.


Before the Oakdale Parade June 23, with supporting cast: 1923 Ford.

Before the Oakdale Parade June 23, with supporting cast: 1923 Ford.


*
Former MN Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, discussing Expo 2023, a possible World's Fair-like  event for Minnesota in 2023.

Former MN Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie, discussing Expo 2023, a possible World’s Fair-like event for Minnesota in 2023.


Rep. Keith Ellison, Minneapolis, with constituents Jun 9, 2016

Rep. Keith Ellison, Minneapolis, with constituents Jun 9, 2016


Russ Feingold, former U.S. Senator, WI, in Minneapolis, exploring a bid to run for U.S. Senate again in 2016.

Russ Feingold, former U.S. Senator, WI, in Minneapolis, exploring a bid to run for U.S. Senate again in 2016.

1 reply
  1. dthoferngmail.com
    dthoferngmail.com says:

    Thanks for a perceptive piece of writing. I was reminded of the time my wife was out doing door knocking for one of the local candidates during an off-year election. She was amazed by the number of people who would tell her, “Oh, I only vote in presidential elections.”
    It’s been said before that we get the government we deserve. One of the promises of the internet was that we would have a much better informed electorate since it would be so easy for anyone to access information. We’ve seen how well that’s turned out.

    Reply

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