In a recent "Ask Marilyn" column, the syndicated writer was asked,
"Do you think politicians should perform based on their own convictions or on the convictions of their constituents?"
Marilyn's reply:
"Personally, I believe we should elect politicians with much more wisdom and far fewer convictions, which are really unalterable opinions that are often applied without regard to the real-life consequences. Candidates should display their respect for humankind, their common sense and their perspicacity while campaigning so that, when elected, their constituents can trust them to behave with insight, knowing their representatives will do the right thing, even if it isn't always obvious to those of us outside their circle."
Great answer, and one, I believe, would apply to all of us in our daily interactions and public comments:
To consider and respond "with much more wisdom and far fewer convictions" (which, as she pointed out, are more often than not opinions which tend to be rather narrow and self-minded more than they are well-investigated and tested convictions).
Also, to "display our respect for humankind" (including, I would add, respect for ourselves, not by putting our perspective out there as "all that," but respecting ourselves enough not to embarrass ourselves and irritate others through sheer entitlement to what we think).
And finally, to "behave with insight" so as to do and say, as much as it is in our power, "the right thing" (or perhaps say nothing at all and just listen).
And what about "perspicacity"? What a delicious word that took me to dictionary.com:
"keenest of mental perception and understanding; discernment"
What a fabulous idea, that!
Perception, understanding, discernment--all of which require us to be quiet in thought and word long enough to get there.
In fact, as I think about it, perhaps if we want leaders to be this, we need to be this first ourselves.
copyright Barb Harwood
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