The Naïveté Of The Transition

Every time this happens I can’t help but think, well isn’t that cute! Governor Corbett did the same thing when he won the election in 2010 and not Tom Wolf (in sheep’s clothing) is doing the same thing during his transition. In summary, as was reported in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Wednesday, he “announced an ethics policy for transition-team advisers that includes an absolute gift ban, and said he would curb the practice of giving no-bid contracts to private law firms when he takes office.”

Even though this thought process and temporary stance is more prevalent the further left the politician is on the political spectrum, this isn’t a naïve mentality solely associated with one party over the other. Whether they truly believe this or not it all comes down to what the public wants to hear and, more specifically, what their base wants to hear. It is a moment during the political process when they believe in their invincibility allowing their political IQ to take a significant, albeit momentary, dip. I guess you could say that each politician has their Thomas More moment and this statement is just that for many political figures.

This seemingly simple act is indicative of the kind of grandiose politics that is to be expected in the current system and it is the reason why things are so polarized. Too many people now view politicians as a means to escape their current reality rather than changing their own station in life. Those politicians see this and know that the kind of statements and stances that need to be taken have to reflect a means of false hope. And that is all this really is as there is no way that this stance will hold and is probably why the letter released by the campaign specifies that that the ‘gift ban’ applies to the transition team with no mention of the staff that he will have in place once he takes office.

Whether we like it or not, politics is a game of give and take. Gifts and privileges are part of that game both of which are completely legal if they are declared. This give and take is the means to accomplish the political goals. What this distills down to is that every politician, no matter the words they speak or letters they release to the press, plays this game. So those who claim to not take these gifts are the ones that refuse to maintain any level of actual transparency. But they tell the electorate what they want to hear so the façade hold up.

Not Earned Or Expected

 

Since the crux of this post revolved around a single word, let’s first take a look at the definition (as it is used in the post below) of the word compliment:

a :  an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration; especially :  an admiring remark

b :  formal and respectful recognition :  honor

While a wonderful word, I don’t feel I have ever earned a compliment as it is defined. Best case scenario, it is questionable as to whether I should have gotten any. I know many people who have but, in my view, I don’t believe the definition applies to me.

Lately, there have been a number of people saying similarly kind comments to me and each time I kept asking myself why it was said. After all, I was going my job the way I think it needs to be done… the way it needs to be done in order to be impactful. In other instances, I was just doing what should be done when a friend or family member is in need. I have no problem giving compliments but when it comes to receiving them I am really not a fan. This is particularly true when I feel that I am being praised for what I see as doing my job. With that said, I know it is the right thing to do and I appreciate it when people take the time to said such flattering things or thank me but I don’t expect it.

Unfortunately, I have seen too many times over the last few years of people expecting this type of praise as if they are entitled to it. Mostly this has been found in the young newly graduated just entering the work force thinking that they are right and that their company and colleagues are wrong. These are the kinds of people that expect to be applauded for farting in a tuba and staying on key.

Thankfully, I take pride in the fact that I have been able to surround myself at work, at lodge, and in my family with countless people who feel the same way that I do about compliments. After all, when we help someone it is more gratifying for us to see that person succeed. We know the small role that we have played in their life and that is more than enough for us. Of course, with all of that said, a simple thank you (privately, not publically) goes a long way. This is also something that seems to be lost on many young people (whether it is actual age or just mentally) as they expect to be thanked for introducing us to the world of tuba tooting.