Curtis Klingle

Politics  

I was speaking with a close friend the other day about possibly running for sheriff in the future. This was not just a friend, but a very close friend and whose council I appreciate as well as often solicit. When I broached the subject, he immediately responded with, “You would be terrible in that position.” I was initially taken aback and he, observing my reaction, asked if he could explain himself. He said the reason I would not be a good sheriff was because I do not play politics. He said, “A man of integrity that speaks the truth, no matter how it makes someone feel, does not make a good politician. Granted there must be a level of sensitivity when speaking to others, but the truth must always prevail.” I have reflected on this conversation many times, and I have come to realize that my friend was correct. I am not suited for a political office. I am very direct, especially with those I view as a threat to those whom I lead. Anyone that knows me is aware that I will defend my people as vehemently as a mother mountain lion protects her cubs. Many find me offensive, maybe even confrontational. But those who have experienced that side of my personality have without question, always earned it. I must admit, my friend’s council was somewhat disappointing. I had been seriously considering the position but mind you, not for the office itself, but to keep those of poor leadership abilities out of that office. I have seen what poor leadership and micromanaging does to a law enforcement agency and those can single handedly cripple and will often destroy an agency, well any business for that matter.  

As I continued to contemplate this subject what I discovered is that politics actually comprises all of the abysmal characteristics I detest. Politics is inherently about how people feel. What the politician says is meant to elicit specific feelings from their constituents. They say whatever it takes to “fire up” the voters and get them into the pole booths. It is easy to discern those who pander to those voters in order to acquire their votes. They always tout their greatness under the guise of modesty and provide you with a lengthy enumeration of their seemingly endless accomplishments. As if standing before an alter to offer up to the public their most treasured, “I Love Me’s.” You can almost hear the angelic choir in the background. Another tactic which is meant to shower themselves in accolades, would be the dissemination of statistics. This one in particular always causes me to chuckle, and the analogy of broadcasting manure over a hay meadow comes to mind. Statistics can be manipulated to provide “evidence” of whatever you are trying to prove. And, let us not forget what Twain said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics.” What is astounding to me is that most of their supporters believe this tripe, as if they have somehow left their capacity for thought behind. Perhaps they have.       

In politics, you must always be looking over your shoulder. It seems the turpitude of the politician knows no bounds, and I am unsure if they are even aware of how evil they become.

I have never acquired the taste of the backstabber, or the skill of the man or woman for that matter, who can look you in the eye, polish their halo, all the while presenting you a falsehood of epic proportions. No, I prefer to look my enemy in the eye. If you ask me a question, I will respond, but it may not be what you want to hear. If you are thin skinned, it would be best not to query me. And yet more reasons a political office would disagree with me.

Another disturbing facet of those who seek office is the change that takes place after being seated. It seems that John Dalberg-Acton’s statement continues to ring true, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It is a rare occasion to witness one in public office that does not change. These are the ones to pay close attention to because they have learned something about themselves. These are the true leaders, and the ones to be trusted. In contrast, the type I have been referring to will become a horror to all who interact with them, and will push their agenda with ferocity. These will climb the ladder of their ambition and will step upon any and all in their path. The lies and posturing while seeking the office deceived their supporters until like some aberration of a cocooned insect abiding it’s time for its rebirth into the world, the latent monstrosity reveals itself when the incubation has reached its consummation. It is always about power. Always.        

Though there is hope. Perhaps I could learn how to lie, be deceitful, deceptive, how to maneuver as if I were a serpent. Maybe I too could reach the level of oratory where I could convince my potential constituents to ingest the proverbial fruit of knowledge. Is there some sort of training, possibly a lyceum, where one might obtain the level of education in order to not just acquire these attributes, but to excel at them? There must be such a place, after all, there is no short supply of those learned in these arts.    

I will continue to deliberate this option, even at the ignoring of my friend’s council. Again, my motivation to even consider it would be to prohibit someone unworthy of the position obtaining it.

C. Klingle

There is no act of treachery or meanness of which a political party is not capable; for in politics there is no honor.” Benjamin Disraeli