Politics is an unusual creature that is ever changing and evolving depending on those who are in office at any given time.
That is especially true of federal and state governments. The politics in those two arenas are extremely extensive and difficult to cover from afar, which is why I report on local happenings.
Besides being a columnist, I am a journalist. I mostly specialize in municipal coverage of counties, cities, townships, and schools in the Thumb area.
As a life-long Thumb resident with an extensive network of connections, I understand a lot of the background, history, and behind-the-scenes nuances that go into some political decisions. Also, watching the body language of those in power as they make decisions can be a tell as well.
With that knowledge, there are times it is bluntly obvious that some connections were made on the side. That is illegal and sad — especially when only a handful of people take an interest to those who were elected to supposedly represent them coming to the boardroom with their own agenda.
I have seen some nuances of self-service and self-interest that have crept into the political arena over the last few years.
Watching that happen has given me a new understanding of George Washington’s explanation of our country’s branches of government to Thomas Jefferson when he questioned that structure.
Way back in the day, the practice of pouring hot tea into a saucer was a common practice before drinking it. Washington used the analogy of pouring a liquid in a saucer to explain the country’s government structure.
Jefferson countered the reason that is done is to cool the drink. To which, Washington responded, “We pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.” The nation’s government structure is a way to cool power to force working together for the people.
After watching some recent local political happenings, I now truly understand our government’s checks and balances that have worked for 250 years.
It is up to the people to cool their local political entities by taking an interest to assure their government is truly working for the people.