I have in the past said that and everything I do; I try my best to be apolitical. That does not mean that I assiduously stay out of the weeds on the issues that matter to my community. I find myself disappointed by the lack of vision and courage shown by many politicians both local and national. In the last chapter, I talked about the stultification of political attitudes in the voting public of Dane County. and yet, the problem goes far deeper yet. In the upcoming election, I would be shocked if voter turn out went past 35 or 40%. That is inexcusable to me, if non voters were a block they would win a majority hands down in almost every race. That is a policy choice that our leaders have made. How can representative democracy work when most of our leaders were elected by a majority of a minority? In many cases there is no race to be had. I understand the value of waiting one's turn and not challenging established leadership, but in one party districts like ours the only way new leadership can rise is either waiting for a vacancy or challenging an incumbent at great risk to ones career and future in their political tribe.
True bravery is not in calling out the other side for hypocrisy, calling them out for bad ideas. True bravery lies in holding your own accountable, calling them out for their hypocrisy, saying that we should be better. I am coming out and saying it right now, we can be better. We are being lied to not only by those whom we disagree with, but the most mendacious lies are coming from within our own house. Leadership is about uplifting, not putting down, but it is also not supposed to be a cheerleading exercise. Sometimes a leader must tell their constituents uncomfortable truths, turn them down when they ask for something to be done. I digress, the situation at the border if the details in the attached Axios piece from last are even close to true are damning; “The maximum amount of time a child is legally supposed to be held in border patrol custody is 72 hours. But as of Saturday, 3,314 unaccompanied children had been in custody longer, with 2,226 for more than five days and 823 for more than 10 days.” Where are our leaders on this? We raised our voices for so many other just issues, why can’t we do something about something so clearly unjust just because it might lead us to uncomfortable places. That is not leading, that is not following. That is freezing on the job and it is cowardice. If they can’t speak up for the children unjustly detained, why should you trust them on other matters? It doesn’t get more clear cut than this. Where are our representatives on this? They have lost my confidence. They don’t deserve yours either. I will do my part.
I pray that this issue gets resolved soon and these kids find justice,
Paulo