5 Reasons Politics Over Policy Is Bad Leadership

By Richard Brody

Although, historically, politics, has been somewhat, partisan, in nature, we have never, in recent memory, observed, such a degree of unwillingness, to even consider, bipartisan cooperation, even when it is the need of the American public. This behavior, which might be referred to, as, politics, over policy/ people, is bad leadership, because it, unfairly favors, one's political supporters, over the rest of the public. Wouldn't we better served, if, once elected, politicians transformed into statesmen, and focused on the common good, rather than personal political agenda, and/ or self - interest? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, review, and discuss, 5 reasons, this is, both, bad policy and a lack of genuine leadership.

1. Not relevant: Empty rhetoric and promises, might garner votes, and be popular, but it's not genuine leadership, nor in the best interests of the public! America, especially with the many challenges, the world and nation, faces, today, needs relevant solutions, rather than polarization, or pitting one segment against another! Whether this is because of the unique persona, and nature, of President Donald Trump, or an undesirable trend, it does not achieve, what is best, for most Americans!

2. Unsustainable: President Trump, in an attempt to be popular, and honor his campaign promise, to change the tax system, and lower taxes, endorsed the legislation, passed towards the end of 2017, which was portrayed, as focused on the middle - class, while actually, favoring the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Claiming this would create economic growth, is based, on the often - unproven, claim, of Trickle - Down Economics. In the, less than half - year, since enacted, we have observed a huge expansion of the federal deficit, with forecasts, for ever - expanding deficits, into the future, and corporations, which Trump and his supporters, claimed, would use the additional revenues, to hire more people, and pay more, have actually, used most of this windfall, to grow their corporate gains!

3. Change should be, for the better, not just, for change - sake: When political rhetoric becomes empty promises, the change is, rarely, beneficial, to the overall good, of most Americans. Measure the results, not, by the level of rhetoric and promises, but, rather, whether it creates added benefits, for most Americans!

4. Common good, not personal agenda: Be certain, the plans and policies, are not based on personal or political agendas, or someone's self - interests! Unless/ until, the focus, consistently, focuses on service to the public, for the common good, rather to a politician's supporters, and/ or donors, elected officials are not representing us!

5. Make America Greater!: When Donald Trump was a candidate, his campaign slogan was, Make America Great Again. While, this meant different things to different individuals, I resented the word, again, because it implied, we weren't already, a quality nation, and urged us, to look back, to the past, rather than, to the future. As Paul Simon wrote, in his song, Kodachrome, "Everything looks worse, in black, and white." We should, rather seek, to improve how government serves its people, rather than elected officials, and/ or special interest!

Public policy should be the top priority, for our elected officials. Unfortunately, as we are presently witnessing and observing, politics and self - interest, seem to be prioritized!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all