As a dyed-in-the-wool Southerner, I offer these comments on the state of our political affairs and those who seek public office at all levels of government.
I regret the death of U.S. Sen. John McCain, a true patriot and war hero.
John McCain was the essence of a gentleman. Known as "the maverick," his political career exemplifies what we knew in the past as a humble, honest gentleman and dedicated servant to our nation. He was a fighter for what he believed in and what he believed in was our great nation.
I now view politics as a dirty business. The standard we have become used to in our national leaders has grown to accept those politicians who tell us what they think we want to hear, instead of leading the nation with honesty. For the most part, they are not truly honest with us, or themselves. Obvious to me is the fact that the vast majority of our leaders are obsessed with winning elections at all cost. Many are responsible for seeking votes by supporting the voting rights of non-citizens who have no real stake or right in our nation’s decisions.
I ask myself how it is that a citizen who becomes a politician can amass fortunes on an elected-official salary. An obvious example of this insane practice is the Clintons. But there are so many others. Congressional leaders, state leaders and even leaders in my home county (Martin County) have been proven corrupt. My fellow voters haven’t done an admirable job of weeding out those office seekers who don’t bring honesty to the office they lust after. We seem only to focus on our individual needs and wants and will vote for those who disregard all else, to gain our vote. Greed by voters and politicians is at the core of the problem.
Our appreciation of civility by our leaders is changing. The Clintons try to emulate southern civility but continue their actions by deceit and misdirection, in keeping with many of the politicians of today. Unlike the Bush family, Obama now orchestrates negative political campaigns under the radar, instead of letting the new breed of leaders lead.
Trump has introduced a new technique of political strategy by introducing a vulgar and disrespectful competitive form of political conflict. We’ve never seen anything like it. Is it a New Yorker thing? Probably. It certainly isn't a Southern thing. I voted for the man. I probably will continue to vote for him. His actions are not nice. He is unpolished and rude. His actions are borderline unlawful and if proven unlawful, he should reap the penalty. But until then, his end goals reflect mine, but his style is not. So, as long as there are no reasonable alternatives, he is my guy.
I’m really going to miss John McCain.
Times have changed in politics. Is it bad? My answer is -- yes! Just sayin' ...
George C. "Chappy" Young, Jr. is president of GSY, Inc., Professional Surveyors and Mappers, of Palm City. This piece was submitted as a letter to the editor of Sunshine State News.
