Ever since I can remember I have always participated in the political process in one form or another. I love studying government. I even wrote my 11th grade term paper on democracy in ancient Athens. I was a member of the
Young Republicans in high school and walked door to door passing out campaign literature for Dave Treen. From 8th grade and through high school, I was usually a member of the student government. I always make some sort of contribution to candidates that I have faith in; whether I put up a sign or send money. Most elected officials will not put a political sign in their yard for fear of offending someone and losing a vote. I never fear participating in the political process.
I guess I have to attribute my actual running for an office to my father. It is likely a genetic thing, or maybe his running for Police Juror when I was 12 was the influence. Whatever, the cause, the speech he gave at a big political rally is seared in my brain. In 1967 the school really was the center of the Swartz community. The rally was in the baseball field across from the school. Swartz Elementary was first through eight grades. Candidates for every office were there from Governor to Police Juror. There was a big stage set-up where the candidates, accompanied by their families, went up and gave a speech to the crowd. I remember enjoying watching and listening. Choosing my favorite candidates.
Well, Daddy's turn was near the end. Dad and Mom followed by 4 daughters and one son walked up the steps to the big platform. We stood there for a little longer than I felt comfortable; kind of like an awkward pause. I was thinking Dad does not want to speak in the microphone. Finally, he took a couple of steps and said, "I want to ask all of you to vote for me for Police Juror. What I want to do is get the dirt road that I live on blacktopped so the school bus doesn't get stuck when it rains. Thank you." And that was his one plank in his platform. I was hoping the platform I was standing on would open up and swallow me. I had not anticipated that that would be his entire speech. As we came off the platform, a friend of Dad's came up to him and said, "Frank, you should have worked on your speech more." I knew Dad would not win this election, but I really was proud of him for trying.
Hopefully, I did not get my speech making skills from my dad, but it is obvious that I got his blunt honesty. It may actually be a better world if everyone running for office would just tell the pure and simple truth and let the chips fall where they may. Just forget the fancy meaningless speeches.
What are they good for?