Politics Schmolotics

Like me, are you tired yet of all the political ads and accusations going back and forth? Are you worried about how the election will turn out?

I receive a weekly inspirational email from Brian Keel at Toledo YMCA corporate office. I thought I might share it here:

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. “ Romans 13:1

The quadrennial American trip though the mud is nearly over. Yes, I do mean the Presidential election, a process that seems to become more angry, divisive and hard to stomach with each go-around. Politics by its nature creates opposites...every issue has a camp for and against after all. But more and more that difference of opinion on issues quickly leads to anger, harsh words and attacks on a person’s very character.

I believe the verse above is clear. We are called to submit to, or show respect for, those who are elected to lead us. Just a few days ago Sen. Obama from Illinois showed up unannounced at the YMCA branch attached to our corporate offices for a morning workout. I disagree with the Senator on a variety of economic, political and social issues. But he had come to our facility not to discuss policy, but rather for a quick strengthening of the spirit, mind and body. And so I took the opportunity to observe him in a candid moment, to see him accept an offer of prayer from our YMCA pastor and even to shake his hand. In a few weeks he might be elected to lead our country and whether we agree with that decision or not, we must show respect to the office. I did it...it’s not as hard as you think…..

Those are great words.

In addition to this, the result of this election is really in God's hands. And as I shared last week, He works everything out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 paraphrased). The bottom line is that God is in control. Why worry if He has it taken care of?

I have heard it said, if you are going to worry, why pray? If you are going to pray, why worry? I would suggest we pray!

Joe the Plumber

I turned on the TV this morning and it seems like all I heard about was Joe the Plumber (pictured above watching last night's debate). Barack Obama was in my town the past several days and he was approached by Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber in the area, who told Obama he was trying to buy a plumbing business and asked the senator why his taxes would be going up under Obama's plan.

Mr. Obama said, in part, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success, too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

In the presidential debate last night, John McCain used this exchange to make a point. He kept referring to "John the plumbers" around the country and how Obama's tax plan would hurt them.

Regardless of which side of the political fence you are on, you have to admire what John McCain did here. In bringing up Joe the plumber, he was attempting to show the American people two things. One, that he is listening to the needs and concerns of the people. And two, that he can communicate in an understandable way. He didn't go off on how smart he is, he simply was talking here in terms that everyone could understand. Very smart.

In our daily lives at work and at home we can learn from this. Let's listen more and not try to impress people with all we know.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19b

The Palin Factor

Unless you live in a cave somewhere, you probably know that Republican Presidential nominee John McCain selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his Vice Presidential running mate. This selection has totally changed the political landscape and has seen McCain make up a lot of ground in the poles and even moved him ahead of Democratic hopeful Barack Obama in many poles. In the case of McCain and Palin, it appears that 1 + 1 = 3.

The reason I bring this up is not to debate politics, but rather to point out a valuable leadership lesson. Whether you love him or whether you hate him, John McCain did something very smart. He selected someone who would complement him, someone who would provide strengths where he is weak.

It takes a leader who is sure of himself/herself to do this...someone who is secure in who they are. I have known many leaders who wanted to surround themselves only with people who agreed with them. This did nothing to help their organizations.

When you can surround yourself with people who don't agree with you all the time and people who are better than you in areas where you are not so strong, it will make you and your organization better. Synergy will take place and everyone wins.

Class Warfare

One thing I have a hard time with is class warfare. It happens in companies all over the place. I see it all the time...when people complain because someone makes more money than someone else. Most of the time, those complaining don't look at or aren't willing to pay the price to get where they want to be.

This gets exacerbated when the media tries to pit the "haves" versus the "have nots." As if it is just a crap shoot. You either are a winner in life's lottery or you are on the short end of the stick. This is disturbing to me and it very prevalent now, a presidential election year.

In the Toledo Blade this weekend was a story about a person who is struggling to make her $515 monthly mortgage payment and how she feels John McCain is "out of touch" because he didn't know how many houses he owned. She said, "If you have a staff that has to tell you where you own your homes at and how much they're worth and stuff, then you have no flippin' clue."

I'm not exactly sure how to respond to a comment like that. First, I must share that it appears silly not being able to say how many homes you have. However, I don't think this means you "don't have a clue" with everything else.

In my home, I don't know where we keep all the kitchen utensils and many other things. Because I lack this knowledge doesn't make me clueless in every other are of my life (although many would argue).

I wonder if this woman wants the next leader of our country to also be struggling to make his mortgage payments. Don't get me wrong, I know that many good people are struggling now. However, making a decision on our next leader because of class warfare is not going to help this country.