Me: Why?
Primo: Because I have no legacy. My life has been nothing. We don't have children. We have accomplished nothing of significance. I probably won't win this election.
Me: Welllll.....
Primo: What's it all been for?
Me: I don't know.
Primo: Plus I don't think I would be a good politician. I went to an event last night and I had to be all nice to the county administrator even though he keeps giving money to my opponent. The administrator and I are in the same party! Why does he support my opponent?
Me: Because he is a pragmatist and your opponent holds the office now and the administrator just wants to be able to work with him.
Primo: But he doesn't have any principles!*
Me: Most politicians don't.
Primo: I think he is just interested in power.
Me: Uh huh.
Primo: But that's not what it's supposed to be about! It's supposed to be about making things better for the community!
Me: I know. But most politicians are kind of sleazy and they're in it for themselves. You are way to honest for that.
* There is plenty of other evidence to support this point. I don't think there is anything wrong with being pragmatic, but the county administrator is a rich kid who bought the office with his dad's money and has never had to rely on working to support himself. I don't like the way he operates.
And, therein lies the difficulty!
ReplyDeleteI dislike all politicians and tolerate a few. A built in reflex to sleazy and arrogant actions by the crooked folks. I feel bad for Primo trying to fight the good fight in the world today. But I would probably disagree with him and dismiss his ideas as feel good answers to serious problems. It is a wonder any one not looking for personal enrichment wants to run in this day and age. I applaud his efforts.
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