Honesty is the legacy

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."--William Shakespeare When we look around what is the one thing that we value most from folks? Particularly from our political leaders? That's right it's honesty. Now, this idea isn't solely a Missouri thing or even an Ozarkian kind of social thread that's universally shared throughout the globe. But right now, the "truth" (as subjective as it may be) is being watered down by sensationalism and power-hungry politicians that will say anything to stay in power. And I think as our Republic is on the cusp of falling to the rule of White Nationalism--we need to examine what is true and be honest about what's going on. First, let's look at our political climate. I think we can all agree this atmosphere is unlike anything we have witnessed in our lifetime. I don't think there's any real way to perfectly articulate how tense and heavy the atmosphere is. Folks are sitting on pins and needles with anxiety about what could happen. Hope that they can get the change they desperately need. Fear of what is to come should the election go badly. All the while, politicians are busy pushing their narratives on how people should vote and who to vote for in the typical election cycle tradition. What's not typical is that it's no longer the political theater of two different parties. It's a story of actual democracy and extremism. I think a lot of folks (particularly around here) still live under the enchantment that all of this is strictly political theater. I've talked to several folks that blow off this threat as nothing more than "politics are doing what politics does" and creating unnecessary drama. In other words, it's political theater, and this is a problem that's worth addressing at the end of the day. So, let's dive into the pool. There's no doubt that everyone is tired of the same old hyperbolic lines both parties use to cause division and frighten poor folks to vote for them because that is what keeps the political football game going at the end of the day. This game that politicians love to play-- Has left some major consequences. From lack of interest in voting to the point of low voter turnout to people taking any kind of interest in any sort of issue, because it ends up being a moot point with nothing being done. This has created a political vacuum in a sense, where it's a cross between being "apolitical" and "doesn't matter" attitude that's become a part of our way of life down here in the Ozarks. But I have noticed that folks are starting to get with the program a little more and want a change from the status quo per se. And it's refreshing, to say the least. Plus there was an article in the local paper about Ashcroft using his office to go after the local libraries and the library's response was iconic considering the area. [1] Folks around here are not fond of any form of government poking its nose into our local business in general. I mean we're a bunch of "Liberty loving, slightly feral, beer-drinking folks with hearts of gold. We're the kind of people that will give a stranger the shirt off our back if they needed. Because that's how we are and probably will always be. For the record, the idea of what hillbillies should be isn't what "Tractor Rap" and Kid Rock try to market on. We live in the backwoods because we're extremely rural. Our four-wheel drives are practical and needed to get down dirt roads in the wintertime. And we don't carry ARs around everywhere or play dress up in tactical gear. You don't even see that during our national holiday of deer season. Even with all that said, I still question if the common sense that folks had at one time will come back, and start to see what our state is doing with its one-party rule? I honestly don't have an answer for that question, because it's way too complicated and would drive myself insane trying to find the answer. What I do know is folks need to start to be honest with themselves about the significance of January 6th and what our state legislative branches tried to help overthrow our 246-year-old governing institutions. Folks need to come to terms with that our state is defining what "Big Government" means with its constant habit of trying to siege local control. I mean I could list a hundred different things that people need, to be honest about themselves, but these are at the top of the list. It's probably the biggest pill for folks to realize is the party they grew up with and have known their entire life has undergone a radical change in the past 40 years. I think people deny this change because it's a lot to process. It also steals from their nostalgia for what was and essentially strips one of their belief in what they had in something. It's kind of like when you're 7 and find out that Santa Clause isn't real. It breaks the spirit a little bit, but we move on with life. I kind of figure this too will happen with people once they start processing the fact their party isn't quite what it used to be, and conclude that none of this is normal or okay. And overall I think that most of us here in the Ozark and in Missouri, in general, are starting to that take root. But it's been a slow process--Although I hope they figure it out before "1984" becomes the new reality within the next two years since the GOP has shown us who they are especially at the state level. Now, what does that leave our present and future lawmakers, if the average citizen has trouble with this concept? The answer is determined by what kind of legacy they want to leave behind after their tenures are up and what impact they have on folks. I mean in politics--there are only two paths to follow which are to be straight-up honest or the less-than-stellar approach that is filled with the art of deception and corruption. And this can be applied to any political leader be it local to national. And from what I can see most of our current national leaders in Missouri took the less-than-stellar path to rage imaginary culture wars, lining their pockets with taxpayers' money, and trying to overthrow the government. Of course, this behavior trickled down to our state reps and senators too. And the lack of transparency and communication with constituents speaks volumes about their policy on honesty. Nevermind, the legacy that will haunt them long after they leave the halls of the legislative branch. Not that my opinion or plea will make much difference to those folks, but I do have a favor to ask of you, as you will be my representation and voice in the due process of our Republic. I ask for you to be open and honest. If you vote "no" on a piece of legislation-please explain the reasons behind the vote. Point out the extra "pigtails" and extras that may or may not have influenced your decision. Please be transparent in your actions, and follow through with promises. And while we know not every promise can be kept (because politics are messy) but try to keep your word. Remember us when you hit the high seats. We as constituents are counting on you to make a difference --We want you to have that seat as much as you (the candidate) want that seat. Always remember your humble beginnings and you should be okay. Finally, please leave a legacy that speaks of the virtues of honesty and integrity. Leave a legacy that will make us all proud to have you representing us. This kind of legacy is what every politician should strive to achieve "By the people for the people." and it all starts with honesty. As always take care and be good to another Much love and peace out JoJo Citation : 1. https://www.westplainsdailyquill.net/stories/west-plains-public-library-responds-to-secretary-of-states-library-book-proposal,144232