In order to grow, plants need sustenance. For those less familiar with the process, the roots seek nutrients from the soil. Once they have absorbed most of the nutrients—or to help domestic plants grow faster and bigger—we add compost, often in the form of cow manure.
I think this serves as a fitting comparison to the modern political landscape, especially when some older politicians are nothing more than stale political shit.
Let me be clear, my friends: the stinky aroma of bovine excretion comes from both sides of the political spectrum. And you know the source? It's the old politicians who have no concept of, and cannot learn, empathy.
You may be asking, “Zen, where the hell are you going with this, and where is this coming from?” I'm glad you hypothetically asked.
You see, the other day, I was talking with a friend of mine. Their child, an adorable four-year-old boy, had acted poorly towards a classmate. His parent gave him a simple piece of advice: "Treat others the way you want them to treat you." It’s a straightforward way to teach a kid to emulate empathy until they discover its intrinsic value as a driving force for good.
But teaching adults the worth of empathy isn't so simple. At its core, empathy enables us to collaborate as a society and build a positive community. If we take a less clinical approach, empathy helps us understand how much others may suffer under different circumstances. We wouldn't want to face those difficulties ourselves, so even if we can't provide direct aid, the least we can do is be sympathetic to their woes.
It may sound obvious and simple to you—like, "duh," right? Yet, the people in power often lack this critical ability. Let me reiterate: the decision-makers in our society rarely possess the empathy to truly understand the struggles of us "peasants".
Let me capture your imagination for a minute. Think about a lawmaker in his eighties. What comes to mind? I’m willing to bet you’re thinking of a selfish and greedy man (and if you're anything like my friend Bear, you imagine him with a cigar) who cares more about his wealth and the legacy he leaves behind—i.e., how rich his children will be—than about how not having clean water may affect the people he is meant to help.
It has been proven that people who endure hardships are generally more empathetic. Yet, they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, and this seems true for the mutts in power, too. If caught in the middle of a flash flood, these leaders wouldn’t suddenly develop the capacity to care for their fellow citizens. Instead, they'd curse the world and swear they deserve better. They would DEMAND to be evacuated first, even if their lives aren't necessarily worth more than that of a single mother raising two children. Be honest: can you really picture such a man playing the hero, sacrificing his comfort for a stranger who can offer nothing in return but thanks?
Of course, my critique is a generalization. I'm not a scholar of presidential psychology, yet it’s clear not all leaders fit the mold I’ve described. Take Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, as a noteworthy exception. Even deep into his senior years, Carter has continued to embody the spirit of service, actively building homes with Habitat for Humanity. During his presidency, he may have been criticized for his cautious approach during crises, but his commitment to humanitarian causes is undeniable. His contributions to global peace and human rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Sadly, he is the exception rather than the rule.
I say it’s time we recognize that the likes of Donald Trump and Joe Biden represent the decaying organic matter in our political garden. While decay is natural and inevitable, it's crucial to remember its role: to enrich the soil for the next generation of growth, not to continue overshadowing it. Politicians such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and, on the Canadian side of the border, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois represent the vibrant, young plants that are ready to thrive. We must allow new, more empathetic leaders to flourish and bring about a healthier, more equitable society.
While my knowledge of U.S. politics may be limited, I recognize that it's not simply the left that shows potential for empathy in their leadership. Moderate Republicans like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlie Baker, and Mia Love are worthy of note in the GOP. Regardless of political affiliation, our goal should be to support leaders who truly understand and address the needs of all citizens, envisioning and working towards a better future for everyone. But for those who have clung to power without regard for the common good, their time is better spent as the compost that fuels our future, rather than as active gardeners in charge of our growth.
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