Musings: A litmus test for our leaders
The state Capitol in Albany. Credit: AP / Hans Pennink
Did you ever feel the calling to enter politics? If so, I ask these questions:
Did you feel emboldened to play a positive role for those you would represent?
Did you hope to provide a better life and opportunities for your constituents?
Did your personal belief system play a role in how you would carve your vote on matters without prejudice, to the color, mental health, age or economic standing of those in your community, district or state?
Did you envision providing educational and career opportunities for those not old enough to vote?
Did you plan to seek good and healthy options for all, not just those who vote your party line?
For those of you who took the leap:
Do you consider the collective needs of children, seniors and other vulnerable Long Islanders without regard to how the opposition may react?
When you chose a political career, were you of the universal mindset that constitutional democracy and due process extend to all who are born, naturalized, living in or visiting America?
Do you stand against those who gave authority to the barbaric roundup of humans who look Latino or speak Spanish?
Are you horrified by the detainment and killing of those who protest against this inhumane and partisan mandate from the highest levels of our federal government?
If you share these same concerns with me, and you honestly and unequivocally represent your constituents accordingly, all those reading this should join me in applauding you as "Politician of the Year."
Kathleen Young, Blue Point
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