We need Statesmen, not Politicians

As we go into the Fourth of July weekend, people will spend their time in a variety of ways celebrating our nation’s birth. At some point, maybe while you stare up into an impressive display of fireworks, I hope you’ll reflect on America’s progress up to this point. Despite many of the challenges our country currently faces, our 234 year history has yielded some impressive results and the economic, scientific, social, and political milestones only brush the surface. As important it is to look back on past achievements, much is still unwritten. Making sure future generations can look at our progress with confidence that it contributed to the greatness of our nation should be our goal. It starts with leadership and Platte County can take the lead in looking to people who are more than politicians. We deserve statesmen.

Describing someone as a statesman is rare in our current political spectrum. It seems the term tends to be used for someone near the end of a long career in politics or even retired, earning them the title of ‘elder statesman’. But the idea of a statesman isn’t about the amount of time spent in elected office; it’s an attitude and approach to public service. Statesmen focuses on what is good for their constituents, not themselves; they use their power to get things done instead of to accumulate for their own sake; their promotion is a result of accomplishing their goals and isn’t simply the goal itself. Too often politicians manipulate us into believing every decision is a win-lose, good vs. evil option where instead they should be influencing the process to come to the closest possible win-win result.

We’ve seen glimpses of these qualities before and all too often it’s from the ‘elder statesmen’, who at the end of a career realize the best way to vindicate their time is to do something that doesn’t reward them with re-election or power, but something good for their constituencies. This isn’t always the case, but more and more our youngest, strongest and most visible leaders fail to see how to promote progress early in their careers. It’s partly because of a constant election cycle which requires politicians to spend their time convincing people of their accomplishments and winning over public opinion instead of actually working towards sustainable solutions. It can also be blamed on ego, these individuals were elected based on the idea they are ‘right’ about every issue while their opposing colleagues are ‘wrong’ and are constantly being reminded so by their political base. Compromise, the essence of a statesman, is ultimately seen as a weakness which makes us question whether a true one can emerge in such an environment.

The truth is, more often you’ll find the type of people that could help take great strides as representatives in our national, state, and local governments are actually using their efforts in other areas of our society like the boardrooms of successful corporations and thriving businesses. Compared to the stereotype of an average CEO, strong will and humility characterize many of these leaders which allow them to make competent decisions for their companies to move them forward. They’ve decided their contribution to society is best made through advancements in their services and products or the effect they can have philanthropically. This, instead of what they view as the distractions, obstacles, and criticisms associated with public office.

This weekend we will celebrate the birth of our nation and in the coming months we’ll once again begin to consider which leaders to elect to represent us. It is with hope that true statesmen do exist and will emerge in the name of public service. Without them, our country will continually be held back from meeting the challenges in front of us and fulfilling the idea of America’s potential.