Girl About O-Town

A few years back now, I worked for a time in federal politics, providing advice to cabinet ministers and assisting MP’s with their constituency work.  It was an amazing experience, and one that I won’t soon forget.  I was consumed by the cut and thrust of civic life; the drama of parliament, the lumbering nature of bureaucracy and the incredible, perceptible power of everyday citizens.  And, I learned.  I learned more about the science of politics, the art of leadership and the machinery of government than I ever could have in school, and came to understand the strengths and weaknesses inherent in our system almost as well as I know myself. 

Such as it is when you catch the political bug.  The novelty of genuine influence, the glamour of smart, cerebral celebrities and the excitement of both theatre and sport all roll together, and this intoxicating combination can make just about anybody feel empowered.  Cabinet minister or cabinet maker, political staffer or primary school teacher…the lure of civic engagement is strong, and the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others a driving force.  In riding associations, school councils, and municipal town halls across this country, average Janes and Joes are working away on important issues that affect each of us, and all that is expected in return is that we pay attention and vote.

That said, since leaving behind my political job, my life has been healthier.  No more late, smoke filled nights in bars watching budget commentary.  No more long, heavy meals in dark lit restaurants, and best of all, no more sleeping with a Blackberry under my pillow.  I spend quality time with the most important girl about town, my man and I “date”, and I can make it through family events without stepping onto a soapbox to rant about the headline of the day.  I drink less coffee, get more exercise and the TV – once tuned to CNN or CBC almost 24/7 – is hardly ever on.  I have even been told my speech has slowed to the point of being easy to understand.  Apparently, the fast talk was a bit hard to follow…

No longer a player, I have become a fair weather spectator – a bit like a hockey fan who only watches when playoff season starts.  Well, the political playoff season has begun, and I have felt a familiar stirring within me. The winds of change are upon us. 

Here at home, the Prime Minister is musing about a fall election and last night, south of our border, history was made.  I – like many of you – watched transfixed as Barak Obama, a 47 year old black man of mixed origin and first time Senator, accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination as candidate for President of the United States of America.   I remember well four short years ago, in what now seems another era, watching this same man speak at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and I remember feeling overwhelmed by his inspiring oratory and his obvious capacity for leadership.  I remember knowing then that Barak Obama had the qualities of greatness and the ability to affect meaningful, lasting change.  I just didn’t realize he would do it so soon.

There seems no more powerful a symbol of social progress than an African American nominee for President only 4o years following the civil rights movement.   Obama, and his telegenic young family, in the open air in front of 76,000 spectators were a profound manifestation of what is possible when leaders really lead.  Regardless of the election outcome, and in spite of his tough talk last night, Obama has already succeeded in restoring dignity to public debate and demonstrating that everyday people have the ability to influence issues and make change.  He has elevated the political discussion to one of big “I” ideas and direction, free of tired clichés, and has done so in a manner that is deeply respectful, even in the face of opposing perspectives.  Most of all, Barak Obama has beaten back the curse of complacency and cynicism, and ignited a fierce hope in the hearts of millions. 

I’m sure that before last night, I might not have been able to say what it is that has been missing since I left politics behind.  Today, it is clear.  Back then, it was hope that I had.  Hope that we might do better as a country…hope that people might get along better and discrimination disappear.  Hope that our businesses would succeed, our schools compete and our environment flourish.   Hope that those among us down on our luck would find the support we needed and that those of us with the wind at our backs might actually help to provide it.  It was hope that drove me.  Not glamour, not power, and most definitely not the machine.

Barak Obama gets it, and it is his instinctive understanding of this fundamental fact that makes him so great.  When he talks about how things should be, compared to how they are, we can’t help but agree.  He compels us to not just to want better, but to take the necessary action to get there.  

It is hope that moves us, and he knows that when these hopes are dashed, our trust disintegrates. 

Barak Obama also knows that when these hopes are harnessed toward a common purpose, anything is possible.

My hope is stirring again.

For previous posts:

• On leadership:  GALA gets it right
• On Barak Obama: The Future is Now…