Op-Ed: The Political Ploy Playbook '06

Political campaigning is reminiscent of professional theatre. The symbols of the masks of comedy and tragedy are well suited to the playbook of politics.

Images courtesy: privatedramateacher.co.uk, city of San Fransisco

(SALEM) - With the winds of change gusting forward as we approach Election Day 2006, perhaps it's high time to discuss the windbags and wounds inflicted in that dishonored American Sport known as mud-slinging. Any similarity to mud and the advocacy of a better environment is purely coincidental. On the National level, some are seeking to wrap themselves around Old Glory and declare the gory bloodbath in Iraq as a noble attempt to rid the world of terrorism and cleanse the Middle East of ethnic cleansing. Still others are suggesting that involvement in Iraq is drawing away our original military quest to instill if not install "democracy" in Afghanistan. Both major parties are partial to hyperbole. Democrats frequently forget their indulgence in the Waco assault by way of Janet Reno, which nearly qualified our federal agents as deployers of terrorist tactics. Republicans often sound the clarion for "freedom" while creating a double-standard on civil rights when it comes to lesser freedoms for those closeted in Guantanamo. And one must inquire: Is the Abu Ghraib prison a shining example of American democracy? Hypocrites have many pre-Halloween masks to scare the voters into submission. For example, would banning same-sex marriage in any way make dual-sex marriage more secure? Would domestic violence suddenly go down? Might fewer gays result in more heterosexuals giving up the hobby of philandering?
We witness many glib politicians spouting "family values" but doing virtually nothing to create a society where families are drug-free and violence-free. How many challengers for political office are johnny-come-lately types? We've observed quite a few who are silent on relevant issues between elections, then suddenly wake up and convey their positions once they become a candidate.
Funny thing, however, is that they did nothing to advocate their cause until they announced to run. We call that "leadership", right? Equally as distressing is the incumbent who musters up some bold proposal for its "popular appeal" before Election Day. One is inclined to ask: Why did it take so long? If the politico were truly sensitive to the people's wants and needs, maybe a policy could have been framed months earlier! Finally, this writer is always amazed at the false liberties taken by legislative candidates who pretend they will accomplish such-and-such once in office.

The catch is that any new legislation requires a majority vote, not a solitary lawmaker filing a bill. They may genuinely want something done, but who can say for certain that enough other legislators will go along? Political campaigning is reminiscent of professional theatre. The symbols of the masks of comedy and tragedy are well suited to the playbook of politics.
The campaigns connote lots of smiling, for sure. That interim until the next election delivers a multitude of frowns. That is the real tragedy we must face, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: Lee Coyne is a veteran political reporter who has been writing since the 1960's, when he served as a UN press officer intern. He now lives in Oregon, and welcomes feedback at luckycoyne@yahoo.com