Nogales International

LEADERS IN NAME ONLY

There is a continuous obligation owed by every individual to the community and especially by those most favored by fortune. Enlightened self-interest should quicken acceptance of the obligation. There is hardly room for argument that what is good for the community is, broadly considered, good for the individual in his work. Conversely, what is good for the individual in the best sense is good for every other man, woman and child in the community.
Too much must not be expected from politicians and parties, too often approached from both sides on the basis of a horse trade. Governmental agents must be supplemented by the efforts of private persons who can envision things as they ought to be, and at long range. Politicians and officeholders, regardless of what they may say in their campaigns, are mostly concerned with getting into office and staying in.
That is why they are in politics. They are in politics to get into office or to have a hand in putting others in office, as other men and women are in business or professions to make money or a career, or both.
But the politician and officeholder is usually wise enough to know that that which is beneficial to the community or state or nation will best react to his benefit. His motives for serving the public may be selfish but the service is no poorer for that.
No man can long remain in public office or in political control who consistently disregards the will and welfare of the voters. Public service is the foundation upon which he must build his political power.
Failure to give satisfactory service has wrecked more political careers than anything else. Convince the majority of the voters that those in office are not giving a fair return, in service, on the dollar, in taxes, and it will take more than a slush fund and political machine to keep them in office.