How To Deal With Politics And The Blame Game
A useful approach to keep them accountable
The blame game is an unfortunate part of our global and political behavior. It’s my opinion that pointing the finger at others began all the way back with the original sin.
From the bite of the first apple, Adam tried to blame God and Eve to cover his guilt. In Genesis 3:12, God questioned Adam, and the first blame flowed forth, “The woman YOU put here with me — SHE gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
Our government, and most others in the world, institutionalized blame as the process of operation… or lack of it. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey once said, “To err is human. To blame someone else is politics.”
We have all blamed others for things that happened in our lives. It’s possible we still do. If someone mistreats us, we have a right to speak up.
We yield more benefits when we do good. In my own life, I’m the product of three attempts to kill me as a young child. I could have used those as my victim card, but God didn’t let me live to be a victim when I can experience victory.
While that sounds noble, I fully admit that I don’t always live in a state of victory. Sometimes people and events around me stir the pot, and sometimes my own internal noise blocks the life I could live.
I say this because I’m certain there is some familiarity in your life. You and I can both live a life of victory. We first have to make good choices and respond to issues in positive ways.
I recently heard a favorite Pastor from Atlanta, Dr. Charles Stanley say that “We are defined by our convictions.” I’m not convinced many in today’s society truly know what they believe in their own lives. We live in a society where some claim that shedding truth, kindness and responsible living is acceptable if they can tag a cause to a political purpose.
Douglas Coupland once said, “Blame is just a lazy person’s way of making sense of chaos.” That’s the world we’re seeing in politics today. Members from both sides of the aisle point fingers and dig in, refusing to find common solutions to make our nation and citizens stronger.
The leadership exerts so much energy avoiding resolutions that they achieve higher levels of success as failures.
Right about now, you might be thinking, “Hey, aren’t you blaming politicians?” Absolutely. A moment ago, I talked about our need to make good choices and respond in positive ways. That means holding leaders accountable when their actions hurt our citizens. Doing it positively means we don’t get on the negative, name-calling bandwagon by so many looking for a sound-byte. We can and should call out areas where blaming overrides action for the betterment of our nation.
Leaders that work to find answers without placing blame, show courage.
Taking Action
A few years ago, politicians created chaos by playing the blame game. Federal employees and their families faced financial hardship for the sake of a political point between parties. The United States Coast Guard active duty, civilians, and retirees (like me) were to go without pay or pensions, so politicians can make a point.
A group of us reached out to the Congress and Senate on these issues. Instead of their giving attention to our requests, our only response was a non-response, or emails blaming the other side of the political aisle.
Given their avoidance, we pushed them for a bill to pay the Coast Guard, after dozens of us contacted every Senator and Congressional representative many times, Senate Bill S.21 (Pay our Coast Guard Act) went forward. It went to Congress as H.R. 350, but Congress thought no one would notice they pulled retirees off the bill. We called it out on their Twitter pages and contacted the news in each of their districts. Shortly afterward, a bill went forward.
I’m sure there were others besides us that engaged and pressured action. We cannot take credit for pushing anything through. We just ensured there was enough discomfort to keep the issues in front of our politicians.
Stopping the Struggle
My point is that political blame games continue while people in need continue to struggle. What issues are important to you? Social, environmental, health, economic growth, or more.
Each side of the political arena is adept at blaming and creating chaos through inaction. You and I can fully be a part of a world that empowers positive action to make each person their best.
Our elected officials work for us, and we don’t need their permission to expect answers from them. Their contact information is readily available online. Have a list and reach out.
When you see and hear the blaming back and forth, know that’s as useful as spitballs in a second-grade classroom. We have a right and an obligation to ask leaders:
“Aside from the talk, what are you going to do to resolve an issue, and when?”
I believe our elected officials can be productive if they stop hiding behind firewalls of staff members, email or phone calls. They would do well to remember their purpose of serving our nation and representing their constituents.
Politicians blaming one another, count on us not to hold them accountable. We can show them wrong. If they are not serving our nation, they are serving their own agendas.
If they become near-sighted, they need reminding.
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⭐️ About Anthony M. Davis
Anthony M. Davis is a Leadership, Success & Stress Coach, Board Certified Therapist, and Top-100 International Travel Photographer. His free book, “Keys to Your Success” is available. Get your copy now.
