Politicians
Those who govern our country should behave responsibly,
For they affect the lives of millions legislatively.
They shouldn’t lurch to the left, nor should they lurch to the right,
But rather, always seek a balance, lest ill they invite.
They should govern openly via acting transparently,
Upholding and championing freedom and liberty.
They should lead by example, behaving honourably,
And they should wed compassion to finance and policy.
Yes, governments should have a heart, one that’s generous but wise,
For where there’s no heart, unfairness and suffering arise.
Such can lead to dismay, distress, even anger, then unrest,
Hence why in each politician’s heart love should have a nest.
When it’s their debating time, they should show maturity,
Not shouting at opponents, but acting respectfully.
And when it comes to speaking, no other voice should be heard,
For each has a right to speak and have all hear every word.
It’s no light matter, and no small thing, running a country,
But something to be treated with the utmost gravity.
It requires those who’re principled, gracious, honest and true,
Those who can’t be bought or sold — and just what’s right, choose to do.
Good politicians act impartially, they’re there for all,
And for the baubles of power, and self delusion, don’t fall.
They run to none, cater for all, know that they’re there to serve,
And all that’s in the best interest of their country preserve.
Yes, they work with, rather than against, build bridges and not walls,
Whether in power or opposition, front benches, back stalls.
They shun cronyism — and for the greater good, put self last,
And are the ones remembered with fondness when their time’s past.
By Lance Landall
Why Governments Oft Poorly Govern
“Why are people cynical of politicians?” Fay asked her father, “Some folk disliking them intensely.”
Her father put down the book he’d been perusing, he taking his daughter’s question very seriously.
“Well, Fay, there are certain positions that quickly show the true nature of someone, where they stand morally-
Cum-how ethically or not they behave, whether they keep to their word, are transparent and trustworthy...
And here of course, we’re talking politicians...
Of whom so many have let us down, if not in some big way, in lots of other ways, irresponsibly,
Oft disregarding the fact that they’re there on behalf of us, they pursuing their own ideology.
In other words, their own agenda, they oft feathering their own nest despite their perks and high salary,
And midst such, pointing the finger, behaving harshly towards the vulnerable within society.”
“Yes, on the one hand selling the country’s assets — treason, some say — and adopting slash and burn policies,
Or simply changing things too fast, their head not connected to their heart, they seemingly doing as they please.
And on the other hand, there’s a pandering to this group or that group, an imprudent liberality,
The hearts of these politicians not connected to their head, hence the entrance of many foolish things we see.”
“Most politicians run to the beat of a left or right drum, rather than they wisely acting neutrally,
Hence that seesawing when power changes hands, and all because of that tired old left and right mentality.
And adding to all this is the fudging, stalling, the dodging of questions, the withholding of information,
The playing with stats and figures, the what suits compromises, the bending and twisting of information.”
“Are you talking about skulduggery, Dad?” Fay interjected, “And certain behind the scenes activity?”
“Well, politicians are just as capable of such as anyone else,” her father replied cautiously,
And we’re living in treacherous and changing times,” he added, “Hence all those conspiracy theories out there,
They often referring to secret goings-on, behind the scene players-cum-interference, which may steer...
And all such even messing up the plans of a good politician or party.”
“But such is another subject in itself, (though certainly connected), and possibly better skipped here,
Lest you somehow lose sight of the general run of things that we’re discussing here, and thereby, elsewhere veer.
Perhaps we could discuss such another time, though I’d encourage you to research such very thoroughly,
For all should be well informed lest they err, or be taken in by something or someone, most perilously.”
“The truth is, that wealthy politicians are far more likely to be out of touch with the man in the street,
And then there are those who’re just seeking the baubles of power, they quite clearly undeserving of their seat.
And both of them thus no doubt lacking in understanding, empathy and required sensitivity,
They being driven by dollars, ambition and personal desire, rather than a love for humanity.”
“Thus it’s often a case of having to pick the best of the evils, both party and politician wise —
If you understand what I mean here — for their shortcomings, untruths and shenanigans, neither advertise.
At the end of the day, a government is only as good as its politicians, those that we elect,
And getting back to where we came in, such is why few politicians, (or their parties), have earned our respect.”
“Thus, as it is with soldiers and policemen, a politician’s only as good as his or her heart and mind-
Cum-his or her standards, values, principles, and love for their country, which of such, far too little we find.
Hence why we shouldn’t get caught up on looks, for those who look the part, often have an unsound mind or heart,
Or are charlatans in disguise, as it were, who a self-serving, corrupt and injurious path soon chart.”
“I guess that’s why some folk don’t vote,” Fay volunteered. “I’m sure it is,” her father agreed, “But utter folly,
For such can even worsen things, is most immature, and shows a complete lack of responsibility.
Such folk clearly don’t value the privilege of such, or not like they should, taking for granted liberty-
Cum-their freedom-cum-democracy, and why it pays for all to be knowledgeable politically...
And given the above — why governments oft poorly govern."
By Lance Landall
