NOTE: The Moderate Voice runs Guest Voice posts from time to time by readers who don’t have their own websites, or people who have websites but would like to post something for TMV’s diverse and thoughtful readership. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Moderate Voice or its writers. This is another Guest Voice by Alex Hammer.
Life is Heroic – But Running For President…
By Alex Hammer
I know some that work 9 to 5 to make a living. Some that work 9 to 9. And a few that even work 9 to 12 or 9 to 2 (AM).
The challenges of life are myriad. And sometimes intense. Life is competitive, and we all make sacrifices and tradeoffs to get to where we need and are supposed to be.
Hopefully always honorably.
A life of public service is not limited to public office, although sometimes perhaps we think of it that way. In truth, no one’s calling is any higher than anyone else’s. Authenticity and effort trump pure talent or even accomplishment.
Before we metaphorically – along with lawyers – throw all politicians to the bottom of the ocean, let us realize that those who put themselves in the public domain do enjoy many benefits. But the loss of privacy is matched also by the increase in scrutiny.
We all know – as it should be – that politicians are very fair game for public comment (facts and opinions). They represent us and need to be held accountable. Those that can’t stand the heat…
Bill Clinton said something to the effect that one of the most difficult things about the Presidency was that one had to be always “on”. There were no off days.
For those of us who work 9-5, or 9-9, or 9-12, or 9-2 to provide for our loved ones or even only for ourselves, there are, in some real sense, no off days as well. But a war in the Middle East, or elsewhere, will not be triggered if we make a stupid move. A nation (or city or state, etc.) is not counting on us to provide more jobs, good jobs at a livable wage with good benefits, keep our streets safe – and paved, without excessive taxes. I’m not saying that all public servants are capable of doing this. Some might not even try.
It is said that “to those that are given, much is expected”. Some will make major marks in business, others in athletics or music. Some are terrific parents or the best spouse that one could have (of course these roles are not mutually exclusive).
And some individuals, if true to their calling, truly do public service.
It’s not a burden to be in public life. It is an honor. A sober one, with great weight and responsibility.
Life is, or can be, heroic.
In whatever roles one may play.
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.