The Myth of "Playing Politics"

As a child growing up in South Florida in the 1980s, I learned that no one respects a coward. I’ll admit that my mouth got me in a few fights. I won some and didn’t win others. Nonetheless, you earn respect when your words and actions align. In other words, when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. This rule applies to most things in life except if you’re a liberal politician or member of the media. President Obama and his party are masters of accusing their political opponents of “playing politics.” Politics is the manipulation of words and minds in order to win and maintain control of government. A good politician can slap you across the face and then convince you that it was a stinging embrace. In either case the result is the same. When someone accuses another of “playing politics,” this should be viewed as a confession instead of an accusation. 

In the present debate over the president’s newest Supreme Court nominee, there is a disingenuous attempt by the Democrats and the media to accuse the Republicans of “playing politics.” The assumption here is that Democrats don’t “play politics.” Democrats in their haste to accuse Republicans of “playing politics” always neglect to mention that they spend millions of dollars on consultants, researchers, pollsters, and political operatives. That’s a big political investment for people who don’t “play politics.” I don’t have a problem with these expenses because it is apart of the game. I do have a problem with dishonesty. Accusing political opponents of “playing politics” is nothing other than hypocrisy. 

As a college student studying government and an intern at the Florida House of Representatives, I learned early that working in the public square means that you have agreed to “play politics.” At no time is the game suspended and only a fool drops his guard. The game is in effect at all times, regardless if it is at the funeral of a fallen colleague or the ribbon cutting for a child care center. A politician’s goal is not to win moral victories, his job is to win elections for himself and his party in that order. If anyone tells you different, they are purposely lying to you and insulting your intelligence. 

Due to the nature of politics, citizens need to understand that many of these people are not what we consider “normal.” Think about it. There has to be something inside that motivates someone to pursue public office. The hazards include total transparency, endless scrutiny, compromised security, and always being at the mercy of others. Therefore there has to be other factors besides the desire to help mankind because it’s much easier to just volunteer at your local homeless shelter if you want to make a difference. When someone’s political existence is at stake, those without a principled grounding are free to engage in any type of lies or moral relativism in order to make sure the ends justify their means. Without principals, accusing an opponent of “playing politics” becomes a powerful weapon because it encourages the public to scrutinize the accused instead of the accuser. 

Don’t get caught up in word games. A politician will never drop his guard, so don’t you drop yours. Citizens must understand that a businessman is motivated by profit and helping the environment and the community is always secondary. A politician is motivated by winning elections and undermining his adversaries. Most politicians will say anything to get your vote. To avoid being a pawn in their agenda voters should always understand the complexities of the issues and never accept political talking points as truth because they are designed to influence your behavior. Doing research and understanding issues will make sure that you are always the winner in the game of politics. 

Andre Harper is the founder and president of The Knowledge Movement, LLC and author of Political Emancipation: Observations from a Black Man Who Rejected Liberal Indoctrination. He can be reached at www.AndreHarper.com.