I'm not a political person. I don't think like one or act like one. Maybe that's why I have such a hard time understanding the nature of the game. Be it family politics, corporate politics or government politics, I'm still baffled to this day by the need, of some, to lie, cheat, steal and orate their way to a better position in life.

But, I guess that's just human nature.

Where do these folks come from? Why are they so driven to do just about anything to succeed? Is it in their genes?

Some call politics a sport. Elections are often referred to as a race or a fight. More often than not, there's a clear winner and loser. It's almost like a battle in a war; some live and some die. But how far does one go to win what is essentially an ideological war; all the way, even selling your soul to the devil?

Most politically minded folks that rise to the top and win their positions in the corporate or government worlds are after the power.

Quoted in The New York Times (28 October 1973), Henry Kissinger said, "power is the ultimate aphrodisiac."

It's usually not about the money.

Kissinger and his pal the notorious Richard Nixon, who ultimately lost his power struggle with Kissinger along with the presidency, abused power so badly it almost brought this country to its knees. Their eglomanic personalities were described by some as "paranoid and insecure, deceitful and manipulative, ruthless and strangely vulnerable."

The egos involved are enormous and I really wonder where they come from. Politicians seem to have a burning desire to be recognized and heard above all else. Did their parents ignore them when the were children? Did they receive too much praise? I don't know, but they certainly don't seem to be suffering from a lack of self-esteem. They probably started out as president of their high school class or maybe even a cheer leader.

They show up at every public event that has a microphone and amplifier, and even some that don't. Their seeming need to speak to the masses in attendance at business openings, graduation ceremonies, Elks Club dinners, etal, know no bounds. If there is a flyer in the newspaper about an upcoming event in your community, you can bet that at least one local politician will be there to speak, shake hands and provide photo ops. Many come completely uninvited.

While attending a local "Support our Troops" fund-raiser last weekend which was put together by a few local businesses to accept donations that could be packaged and shipped to our troops overseas, our area Congresswoman from Washington managed to find a PA system on a Coast Guard boat which was on static display for the event and give a 10 minute speech.

Standing at the helm of this 20 something foot Swift boat on a trailer she went on over the boat's PA system about what I don't know. It reminded me of Martin Sheen in the movie "Apocalypse Now" as his river patrol boat slowly approached the natives working for Colonel Kurtz. Maybe she was just still giddy from her on stage appearance at the recent DNC.

What was even funnier is that no one was even listening. All went on with their activities totally ignoring the racket coming from the loud-speaker on the boat. A few hand shakes and photos later she was off, undoubtedly to the next event on her schedule.

Is it their desire to be needed, heard, or acknowledged, or is it just simply an overdeveloped sense of self brought on by letting their successes go to their head.

A big ego can also be the fault of others. I.E. parents who raise their children to feel and think they are better than others and are taught a mentality that they are above everyone one else in society. So, it's not always the individual at fault.

We are all, after all, just a product of our environment.

Related articles

• Cecil Staton: The Anatomy Of A Tumbling Politician (draftcain.wordpress.com)