How you vote determines whether your officials will put you or their self-interest first
We try to define leadership. We try to teach it. Some seem born to it. Some are destined to enter at a necessary time. Others — they just have the courage to step into the role. Regardless, in this era, we need leadership of the best kind desperately.
We live in an era of politicians. This democracy depends on just and benevolent leaders, men and women who seek office for the right reasons, not to follow a party or the whims of political committees. They should be influenced by acting in the best interest of the people, not self-interest and not beholden to powerful dark money or donors with agendas. We, the people with the power to vote, are up against those with the power of the purse. If this government falls to corruption, it will be from those with money willing to fund politicians to do their bidding, and, sadly, politicians only — not leaders with a right or moral compass. This is our greatest risk.
Politicians rise — they fall. They do not study leadership. They do not understand respect is earned and bestowed by station. Leadership is earned.
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What is most important seems whether they can get elected to the position they covet. Then do anything to hold on to it. Many times, the pursuit of office isn't about a moral strategy or making a difference. It is about gaining the station, the power and exercising control over any beneficial advancements as they occur. This is coupled with a disregard for the integrity of the office, history and accountability in office. They show a complete disregard for compromise, a disrespect for those across the aisle and the institutions, but a willingness to opt for incivility. It is about winning and attacking those around them.
As in all states, the political spectrum is about power and control, and doing what is necessary to achieve power. Washington warned us: It cannot be about party and self-interest over the public good. Moving our democracy forward matters and should be aspired, too.
In this age, we are woefully short of leaders — those willing to do the right thing even if it means sacrificing their office for the greater good. We are overwhelmed by politicians first. It is very hard to determine what they stand for, and many do not even know what they stand for.
On Jan. 6, 2021, we had the worst of us storm the U.S. Capitol with a total disregard for what it stands for, putting lawmakers and officers at risk. A president encouraged it and was indicted. Congressmen, some from Oklahoma, stood against the constitutional presidential electoral process still voting against it Jan. 7. And why? For party, when we need stability in our leaders. And they were few and far between. And they were absent. And our Republic was threatened. Unacceptable.
In Oklahoma we have a governor who will claim achievements. He says we are a top 10 state. In what on his watch? We managed to drop to 50th in education. Our state schools superintendent is all about being divisive and seems unfit for the job. Our speaker of the House, like Stitt and Walters, is all about the CPAC agenda. These elected officials see this as the next step in their political career. But they fall short of leadership.
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At times, past leaders have emerged when we needed them most. Our democracy depends on them. But right now, where are they?
We do not need swashbucklers or hot heads. We require those who stand for something greater than themselves, not against this nation and us. Needed are those with character, courage, accountability, conviction, empathy, humility, decisiveness and willingness to listen and adapt — leaders we can be inspired by and our children can emulate. Nothing less.
To protect our democracy, we are the last line of defense. We the voters have to decide if we are willing to stand for better in those we elect. We need more than opportunists and politicians first.
Our future leaders are in the classroom. We must encourage them to learn about leadership and our history — our past great leaders — and inspire them to public service and leadership with a moral purpose apart from self.
We must decide to choose carefully those we place in office. We have the vote, and we can change and take charge of our trajectory and future. The power still resides with us. We need to get off the bench: Vote and let your voices be heard. We need leaders that put us first.
Phil G. Busey Sr. is chairman and CEO of DRG and The Busey Group of Cos.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: To protect democracy, voters must choose wisely, demand accountability
