Lay Off the Politicians

I have always had an interest in politics and many family members say it would be a great career path for me because I am opinionated, loud and outspoken—I possess all the key characteristics of a politician! However, the more I consider a career in politics, the more perplexed I become. There are times when I feel so frustrated with our government and just want to go in there and change everything myself! Then there are times where I wouldn’t want to be any part of such a thankless job.

I understand that politicians hold an important position of authority, and I recognize that they are aware of the pressures they have to deal with and the obstacles they must face in such a position, however, I do not believe that prior knowledge ever prepares them fully for the persecution by the media or the intrusion on their personal lives.

It does not surprise me that capable leaders shy away from politics. Politicians have to make numerous decisions on behalf of an entire country; he/she could make fifty acceptable decisions but the one time he/she takes a stand and/or makes a decision about a controversial issue, lobbyists, activist groups and the press attack. Furthermore, politicians need to constantly analyze the words they say or the people or phrases they agree with or disagree with. One mistake and there goes their entire career. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. So, why then is our civilized society so unforgiving toward politicians? How does one simple mistake warrant the termination of a lifetime of work? I am not advocating that politicians should be allowed to make frequent mistakes and be reprimanded simply by a slap on the wrist, but our society should not be so quick to judge those who hold a higher level of power. It’s as if we place our politicians on a pedestal and just wait for them to fall.

I also do not believe that because someone is placed in a position of authority that person should have to disclose all aspects of his/her life to the entire world. The rest of Canadians are entitled to their privacy, so why should that right be eliminated for a politician? Though we hear about countless political scandals especially those involving adultery, who are we to judge them? There are probably thousands of people cheating on their significant others right now, but their scandals are not being documented and printed on the front page of national newspapers. I do not condone lying or adultery, but why are scandals involving politicians so much more scandalous and appalling than scandals by normal, working-class people?

In my opinion, Canada needs a true leader to step forward and take charge of the country, however, I do not blame anyone for not wanting to choose the life of a politician. Until we change the way we view and treat our elected officials, it could be quite some time until we find a great leader to take our country to the next level and steer us in the right direction. Again, that’s just my opinion.

Erin