My Peers View Politicians With Cynicism, Disdain

BY IAN SAMS

Today, I decided to look up the word “politician” in a dictionary.

One source maintained two distinct and seemingly opposite definitions. One read: “A seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.” The second read: “A person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.”

I have a dear friend who likes to bring up constantly his belief in the dishonest, conniving, immoral, unprincipled nature of politicians. Once, I mentioned to him that, during my time at the University of Alabama, I had met one of the most honorable, empowering and service-oriented leaders I had ever known.

When I told him this person was also a student body-elected official, he claimed it was impossible for him to be all the things I had described him as, simply because he was a “politician” and “politicians can never be honorable.” I was struck by my friend’s absolute aversion to politicians.

In high school, I wrote a draft story for the student newspaper, “The other dirty word: Politics.” I never had the guts to publish it, but I still maintain such a fundamental curiosity as to the seeming lack of gravitas and dignity the profession of politics possesses in today’s American society.

Remember when politicians used to be admired and lauded for their mastery of rhetoric? Franklin Roosevelt’s words defined what modern America “feared.” Abraham Lincoln changed the landscape of America when he said that the United States was “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Even more recently, Ronald Reagan used words at the Brandenburg Gate to signal to the American people that the United States could indeed end the Cold War. Somehow between 1987 and today, we have lost our respect for the rhetorical craft of politics. Was it George H.W. Bush’s shallow campaign promise of no new taxes? Or Bill Clinton’s repeated sexual misdeeds and associated lies? Or has it been George W. Bush’s promise for “compassionate conservatism” or declaration of “Mission Accomplished?”

It could be that modern America has become increasingly cynical. Right-wing radio has been a wellspring of cynicism, with pundits like Michael Savage and Rush Limbaugh spewing pessimism left and right (well, mostly right). This growing cynicism has come to light in this year’s election as Barack Obama has challenged the culture of pessimism. The loud voices of cynicism say he’s hot air, an empty suit, a message without substance. “Change for the sake of change.” But why must we assassinate this historic candidate’s rhetorical ability? Why can’t we move past the cynicism that has been growing for 20 years?

Could it be that Obama is reintroducing rhetoric as a means of accomplishing goals or setting agenda? His skill is evident. His ability to move people with “just words” is unparalleled since the time of Reagan or even Kennedy.

Maybe by the time I turn 40, my peers won’t hate politicians for being politicians. Maybe we’re beginning to see the death of our culture of cynicism. Maybe people are going to stop disconnecting their heart from their brain. For the sake of this country and for the sake of politics, I sure hope so.

Ian C. Sams, of Johnson City, is a Niswonger Scholar and a University of Alabama student. He is an intern at the Regional Alliance for Economic Development and the MountainSouth World Trade Center in Blountville.