Public Officials Options: Adversarial, Cooperative, Policy, Or Politics?

Most Americans, historically, proudly pointed to the many freedoms and liberties, we take for - granted, which most of the rest of the world, lacks. Unfortunately, with that assuming it is, a given, we also have the lowest voter participation rate, in the free world. For many years, this percentage hovered at about 50%, but in the last Presidential election, in 2016, even fewer individuals took advantage of this right. Unfortunately, we realize it's a right, but, most of us, seem to not believe, it should also be an obligation! Then, when someone, who many seem to disagree with, is elected, we resort to blaming and complaining, everyone except ourselves! This is probably a significant reason, we end up with a variety of different types of public officials, some focused on service, but most, disappointing us! Every elected, public official must realize and recognize, he can proceed in several ways: adversarial; cooperative; policy; or politics!

1. Adversarial: Whether one, is a core supporter and follower of President Trump, or strongly opposes his actions, and approaches, there should be somewhat, universal agreement, his path is an adversarial one! Apparently, rather than seeking common ground, and a meeting - of - the - minds, this President seems to focus on his political base, and providing their needs, often, seemingly, at the expense of the rest of us. There is probably a greater level of significant polarization, in America, today, than at any time, in recent memory!

2. Cooperative: Is a public official supposed to serve, only those who voted for him, agree with his political agenda, and support him, or all of his constituents? Perhaps, the most significant consideration, should be, when, and if, any elected official, is ready, willing and able, to, after being elected, to transform, from a politician, to a statesman?

3. Policy: Our public policy is determined by those we elect, yet, often, it seems, the politicians, focus on partisan politics, and their individual, personal, political agenda, over sound policy, focused on serving the needs, goals and priorities of most Americans. Never before, have we observed, so little emphasis on well - considered, policy, and so much, merely, on politics! We need to elect individuals, who place serving the public good, over self - interest and politics!

4. Politics: Most of us have been turned - off, by our American politics, and the way, public policy, is crafted, created, and developed! It should be time, for us to say, Enough, to politics - as - usual, and demand better!

Americans would be better - served, if they paid more attention, asked better questions, and prioritized, viable solutions, over, empty rhetoric and promises! Don't complain, and blame others, but assume a larger degree of personal responsibility, and encourage others, to pay more attention!