I have always viewed MPs and other politicians with light distrust in the same vein as car sale men and insurance brokers. That is not to say that I did not vote. After the lengthy history of campaign for suffrage in the UK, first for the common man as opposed to the wealthy landowners and then for womans votes, I have always wanted to exercise my rights, even if some elections have left plenty to be desired.
But it has always been about policies and not about the people: they have always came across as self-serving and slippery. Look at the expenses scandal – well paid politicians claiming huge amounts of money for irrelevant things in greed.
A couple of days ago, I had the opportunity to meet a ‘real live’ politician. It was not something I organised out of person interest, but in my teacher capacity, helping our school council to better understand their role and see it in a wider perspective. And this worked well, but so much more besides.
The politician in question is the local MP for the area including the school I teach in, Hilary Benn. Quite a big player – member of the Cabinet when Labour was in power and now a member of the Shadow Cabinet.
But a self-centred man? Never! The time he dedicated to the children and the personal interest that he showed in them was remarkable. His skill at explaining things to them, his patience, his manner with children – all were impressive in but none more than his basic humility. The children not only learned a wide range of things from Hilary but so did I. The range of skills, amount of time and deep commitment needed to do a complex job like his well. I can see that in politics, as in teaching, only the bad news is mentioned and all the hard work is glossed over by the press.
I have been inspired and humbled I am sure that some politicians are self-serving but there are real people out there working for the good of others in big ways. They need and deserve more that just our vote.
Image via Wikipedia - not just a politician but a most genuine person.
doctorwhofan98
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