By Michael Fryzel
There was a time when it was considered necessary that to hold high political office an individual must first be elected to and serve in an entry level position. There was the perception that one needed to learn how to function in the public sector and prove to the electorate they should be promoted further. It is hard to believe that it has taken over two centuries for us to learn that those perceptions are not necessarily true.
Our country as a whole and our states individually have failed miserably at being able to foresee problems. They are slow to react to crisis of all types. They have driven entities of government to bankruptcy, or close to it, and the leaders of both political parties have failed to work together and compromise to find needed solutions.
More often than not, government entities have been led by individuals who have held these positions for numerous years, some for decades. They are the ones who must be held responsible for the failure to address and resolve so many outstanding issues. Unfortunately, many are the same individuals who aspire to higher office extolling their performance and telling us we need “seasoned leadership” to run our country.
Finally, after 239 years, there may be a change in the way our electorate perceives and evaluates candidates for office. Voters in this country are fed up with excuses. They are tired of listening to the same voices telling them that things will be better and problems will be solved if they reelect the incumbents for another two, four or even six years.
Do They Realize They Are Part of the Problem?
Do these elected officials understand that by serving in the offices they were elected to that they bear the responsibility for the situations we face today? Do they realize that they are part of the problem? Do they understand that their failure to act and confront the countless issues we face prevent us from moving forward? Clearly they do not.
It is interesting to watch the current race for President especially if you are following the Republican primary contest. Thus far, the campaigns, the debates, the candidate appearances have all taken on a perspective that we have not seen before. Potential voters, when asked the question “Does one need to have served in public office before seeking the Presidency?”, are responding with a resounding “No.” Although it is early in the election season, the Republican electorate is not ready to buy the product that has been on the shelf for a while.
The popularity of Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson and Carli Fiorina seem to indicate that Republican voters may be willing to consider an outsider, someone who has never held elective office, to be the next CEO of this country. Voters are wondering if those now holding office and want to move up the ladder really understand what leadership is about. The lack of results has shown that many do not.
Certainly, thus far the Republican primary contest has been the most interesting and fun to watch. Many consider it the best entertainment available. Bernie Sanders has added some excitement to the contest on the Democrat side and it could get even better if Vice President Biden jumps in. Can you even imagine a debate between Joe and The Donald?
It’s very early in the season. There are a lot of candidates still standing; all but two will fall. We can only guess if one of the outsiders will be one of those who remain. And this is where each of you must play a role. If you do not, you have no right to complain or criticize the results.
In the words of an old friend of mine, Douglas Kolb, who won a trip to an inaugural in a contest to create a slogan emphasizing the importance of primary voting, “In order to win on election night, your candidate must when the primary fight.”
For yourself, your children, their children and this country’s future, get involved!
Michael E. Fryzel is an attorney and advisor to the financial services industry with offices in Chicago, Illinois. He is a past Chairman and Board Member of the National Credit Union Administration. He can be reached at meflaw@aol.com.