I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything of substance (okay, some would suggest that I’ve never posted anything of substance), but hey, I’ve been busy. What do you want me to do … I am pastoring two churches, after all!
I was listening to “The Lunch Bunch” on CFRA today, and two of the participants were arguing about the latest Liberal ad. It’s the one where they are complaining because Harper seems “too calm” in the midst of the current financial crisis. The discussion was over whether or not we wanted our Prime Minister to be calm during crisis or to show genuine concern.
Of the the speakers suggested that politics is show business. That yes, we want our Prime Minister to be calm and focused during crisis, but we also want him to “act” more like a regular citizen. We need him to at least pretend to behave more like the rest of us. Over the next ten minutes, she must have suggested a dozen times, “Politics is entertainment.”
Now, I have to agree with her. It is. It’s all about getting that 15 second sound bite. It’s all about looking right for the camera. Harper donned a sweater because he wanted to look more “human.” Dion spent months with an English language coach because he needed to improve his speech. It’s a show.
And, while I agree with that, I also think it might be one of the core things that is wrong with politics today. Do I really want a Prime Minister who can portray the right image on my television? Or do I want someone who can lead Canada with a passion and a commitment to do what is best for our country. What do you want?
I think there are some phenomenal men and women who truly want to serve this country in leadership, but because they can’t raise enough money, or act the right way in front of a camera, we’ll never see them in those positions.
I just wish I had the answer to how to fix it. Do you?
