When my kids were little they went to Montessori school. When they started slugging each other, the M. teachers didn't say, "Hey cut that out!" the way I did. Instead, they said, "Use your words." I found that hilarious. Recently, I've been listening to politicians using their words.
I know that "mendacious politician" is a redundancy: words are part of the superhighway of lies that politicos pave every day. But even so, when they use their words, it can matter.
On the down side, we have our Maine Governor, He Who Will Not Be Named. He managed to garner a headline in the Bangor Daily News - the best paper in the state by the way - because his response to a state representative who had been trying to meet with him about unemployment was to cuss the guy out. In public. Twice. Using words I won't use in this blog.
Gov. He-Who has again failed to comprehend the meaning of civic leadership. This instance is quite over the top - a leader of a state sets a tone, he embodies civility. He is a lubricant for the democratic process.
Gov. Cuss's behavior is - again - an embarrassment; he brings shame on the great state of Maine.
On the other hand, there's Sec of State Clinton making a resounding speech about GBLT rights. Never mind that it's about gay rights internationally, never mind that the administration in which she serves has not kept some of its key promises to the same-sex communities in our country. The speech was made, the sentiment is a good one, the words matter. Good for her, and for her boss, our President.
I mocked those Montessori folks decades ago, but they were right: words really do carry power. Words are not just abstractions that just float away. People make decisions and form values based on words from leaders. In the case of our Mean Governor here in Maine, he demonstrates a real contempt for the most essential processes by which we run our community life. And Sec. Clinton shows that communicating respect and caring is powerful - and positive for all citizens in our land.
The Salt Marsh in Early Autumn
