Common Sense In Politics: An Oxymoron?

By Richard Brody

If you, are, like, most others, you have often wondered, or even, felt, somewhat, bewildered, by the reasoning, and approach, used by many politicians, once they have been elected, to public office! Why is it, there seems to be so little, common sense? Why is it called, common, if it appears, to be, so rare? Is it an oxymoron, to even, use common sense, and politics, in the same sentence? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, review, and discuss, 5 key factors, in terms of, some of the possibilities, why this is the case.

1. Priorities: Why are the priorities of so many public officials, focused on their personal agenda, and/ or self - interest, rather than quality, relevant service, to those they were elected to serve and represent? It's not only these individual's, whose common sense, should be questioned, but, also, the mindset, and attention span, of the electorate. It often appears, when they run for office, politicians often make promises, and use populist rhetoric, without offering quality, viable solutions, which are both relevant and sustainable. The election of Donald Trump, in 2016, as President of the United States. showed many voters cast their votes, without asking enough questions, if the rhetoric appears to benefit them, or even their personal prejudices. In recent memory, we have, never. witnessed, this key issue, being ignored, or manipulated by a politician, for his personal political benefit, rather than the relevant, sustainable needs, of our nation.

2. Ramifications: Common sense, should, tell us, there are nearly always, ramifications, of actions, either taken, or ignored, by an elected official. Since we cannot see, into the future, we often are uncertain, of the results, but, for example, what might possibly go wrong, when two undisciplined national leaders, such as America's and North Korea's meet, what could possibly go wrong? There are certain circumstances, such as ignoring the environment, and protecting clean air and water, where the ramifications, in terms of sustainability, are clearer, and more potentially dire!

3. Solutions - not rhetoric: If voters used better, common sense, they would demand less empty rhetoric, and promises, and true, viable solutions, which are relevant and sustainable! How can we benefit, if we consistently, vote for candidates, who, merely, tell us what we want to hear, rather than what needs, to be done and resolved?

4. Sustainability: It is irresponsible, to accept unsustainable promised, when the world needs sustainable ideas, and solutions! When we begin to demand this from politicians, we will all benefit!

5. Strategic and action plans: Stop focusing on their promises and rhetoric, but seek, clear - cut, strategic and action plans, and a focus on quality, relevant priorities!

Common sense must begin, to become less rare, if we are to be represented, effectively, and in a relevant manner. Politicians will only change, when voters demand it, from them, at the ballot box!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all