Hemming and hawing
by Elouise
Hemming and hawing
Their way through the muck
Fearful of committing truth
Eager for voters’ approval
They flounder
Political correctness
Blinds leaders to the truth
Of their deepest commitments
Creates wormholes
In character
Yesterday’s principles
Become today’s mush
Flavor of the moment
Quickly thrown together
Cold and tasteless
***
There isn’t a leader alive who isn’t tempted to hem and haw. Fear of committing truth seems to have become an epidemic.
The fear is well founded. The cost of being drummed out, forced out, scapegoated, fired, sued or made a target of revenge is very high. Ask any leader who has paid the price.
Leaders willing to go against expectations of their parties or constituencies seem to be a dying breed. They deserve our respect and our thanks. Whether we agree with them or not.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 23 June 2017
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Commit
Telling the Truth 
Politicians with a spine? That seems to be an oxymoron these days, doesn’t it?
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Sadly, I have to say we’re on a downward slope–though not yet at rock bottom. Which makes the honest few stand out–whether we voted for them or not. I don’t envy anyone caught up in the current mess. Especially everyday people like you and like me who have the most to lose. Thanks for your comment!
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I do recall someone once musing “What is truth?” and when the crowds made insistent demands, their shouts prevailed.
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Right. Sadly, not everyone wants to hear truth. Or even withhold judgment.
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[…] via Hemming and hawing — Telling the Truth […]
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Thank you kindly for the link.
Elouise
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Well said, Elouise!
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Thank you, Herminia!
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We usually say humming and harring where I came from, same thing though.
I have known 2 politicians, both in Australia, who did not hum and har, they were honest and courageous and both suffered the indignity of being sacked because they believed in doing the right thing.
And the people of this country still reap the benefits that one of them bestowed on us; education & healthcare.
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What a wonderful legacy for Australians. We could use a few brave politicians right now who are willing to stick their necks out for the people of this country!
Hum and har? Hmmm. That’s new for me. Thanks, Brian! 🙂
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How aptly put! And how sad that we live in such times.
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Thank you! Sometimes it feels like I’m watching a poorly crafted movie–not sure whether to laugh, cry or get up and walk out.
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