The Narcissism of Politics

As I work to get my message about what I stand for and who I am out to the people who may be interested in voting for me, it was become painfully obvious to me that there is a large amount of narcissism in politics.  I know why I am qualified to be Clinton City’s next mayor, as do my friends and family.  But, by and large, most of the people out there really don’t know what sets me apart from the other candidates, if there will be any, so it is really up to me to tell them.  I’ve worked hard to put together a website, Facebook page, and this blog so that I can let people know how great and wonderful I am, and all of the great and wonderful things I have done that make me so great and wonderful.  Herein lies the narcissism.  Gone are the days of quietly going about doing good things.  Anonymous service is a thing of the past and that saddens me.  Instead of simply happily doing my thing, I necessarily have to tout to the world exactly what that thing is, and why it is so great because if I don’t tell them, they won’t know.

As I go through this process of tooting my own horn and patting myself on the back for how great and wonderful I am, I can’t help but think that it isn’t healthy for anyone to go through this process very often.  Eventually, this forced narcissism has a high chance of developing into true narcissism, it is human nature.  True narcissists not only believe they are the best and brightest, but also crave power and notoriety.  So, instead of someone who genuinely wants to serve his or her community or country, we have someone who believes they have in inherent right to hold positions of power and notoriety.  I think this is my greatest fear as I delve headlong into this political world, that I will lose myself and become the quintessential politician. 

One common question that has arisen since the launch of my campaign is, “Do you plan to ever run for higher office?”  The more I realize the risk of becoming truly narcissistic, the more I think that it is a bad idea for anyone to continually run for and serve in a political office.  There are good people out there who have spent many years in the political realm and still do a good job.  I am happy that they have been able to do this, but for me, I think the best choice is to follow the example of my greatest hero, George Washington.  Washington served his country well as a general, and then went into retirement.  When it became painfully obvious that the Articles of Confederation weren’t working, he came out of retirement to serve his country once again and help write the greatest document ever written, the Constitution of the United States.  Then, after serving two terms as President of this great nation, this great man went back to retirement.

Even when Washington was in charge of the entire army, he still stayed close to those he was serving.  At Valley Forge, his men were starving, so he was starving as well.  His men didn't have enough blankets, so neither did Washington.  He was in and among them working and toiling under the same miserable circumstances that they were in.  He listened to their needs and worked with them to solve the problems.  He didn't just sit (literally) on his high horse and command his troops, he led by serving with them.  What a tremendous example he was!  A true leader doesn't sit back and direct the work, a true leader leads by example.

Right now, I would like to serve my city as Mayor, it is a job that that I know I will do well. I think for continuity, it is best to serve two terms, but beyond that I have no intention to go forward and create a political “career”.  I think, to avoid the chance of becoming truly narcissistic, it is best to do the job of Mayor, and then follow Washington’s example and go back to my farm.  If, after a few years, if I see a need to serve again as Washington saw a need to serve again, I will step up and fill that need, but I don’t see continual public service as being good for either the servant or for the public. 

In the meantime, I will do my best to lead as Washington led.  I believe the mayor should be first in line to pull the weeds at a service project, and should always be available to talk with the people about the issues they are facing and work together for a solution, just as Washington did.