Political vs. Principled? This may seem simple … but it is one of the hardest concepts for grassroots advocates and voters to truly understand and identify.
What is principled?
- (of a person or their behavior) acting in accordance with morality and showing recognition of right and wrong. “a principled politician”
- (of a system or method) based on a given set of rules. “a coherent and principled approach”
- If you want to break it down simply … “Principled” elected officials follow #1 The Bible, #2 The US Constitution, #3 The Platform in everything they do with all their votes. If it violates any of those documents … #VoteNO! See? Simple!
What is political?
Generally that is when a politician does what is practical based on where the wind is blowing at the time … usually what is best for themselves, perhaps financially or to fulfil all politicians #1 goal of getting re-elected.
Most politicians come into office idealistic (or principled) … but quickly become co-opted by the machine (or their ego) and become pragmatic (or political). They use terms like “you just don’t understand” or “leadership says” or “there are other factors to consider” … but interestingly enough they can’t disclose or won’t TEACH / EXPLAIN what they mean by all the fluff talk.
And ultimately … when they realize you are on to them … they refuse to respond completely. They shun you … delete your from their special chat groups … and then start to slander you as a trouble maker. They do this even to the grassroots supporters and donors that got them elected in the first place. [NOTE: You do however have to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are the problem. There are some people who who truly don’t “get it” and are trouble makers. It is a fine balance, so be honest with yourself.]
And it is really hard for those of us who given so much of our Time, Treasure & Talent to candidates who are now elected officials that “turn” on us. At that point we have two options:
Option #1: Put our heads in the sand not wanting to believe or face we made a mistake in supporting this person, or
Option #2: … go all out war, find a challenger for the next election, and hold them accountable for “flipping”. [NOTE: Spoiler alert, you have to take Option #2 and hold them accountable – see below.]
Remember, “Watch what they DO, not what they SAY.”
THE SOLUTION?
(1) We have to pick candidates that we know will NEVER faulter … ones that will HOLD TRUE no matter what the pressure leadership or the monied special interest (or worse) puts on them.
(2) We have to pick candidates who you want in the foxhole with you when the proverbial gunfire starts.
(3) We have to pick candidates that WANT TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
It is truly that simple.
And when your candidate gets elected … we have to embed ourselves in with his or her office. We have to have their back … not just go back to sleep thinking “everything is all better now”. We have to be the voice in their ear … we have to drown out the constant whispers of the monied special interest. We have to be their CHIEF OF STAFF? [NOTE: Ask yourself, who is your favorite elected official’s CHIEF OF STAFF? A volunteer grassroots advocate? You? Or some special interest lacky?]
And when your candidate (now elected official) starts to turn and flip on their campaign promises and principles … we have to QUICKLY guide them back … or go all in to hold them accountable … OPTION #2 above.
Remember, it is not hard to be Principled … or at least is should not be. #1 The Bible, #2 The US Constitution, #3 The Platform. If it violates any of those documents … we have a problem … and a Principled politician should #VoteNO!!! Simple!!!
WatchAndLEARN!!!