Ever heard the saying, "Everybody wants to be associated with a winner." Is this still true? Obviously, the big news of the week says it's true. Every politician from England's Prime Minister to the Councilmen in the Nevada desert has gotten a plug in on the back of the birth of a Royal Baby. No self respecting public figure would pass up an opportunity for some good press. While I'm happy for the Royal couple and wish them the best in raising their Son, I just can't help but see all the press and the talking heads using them for some ratings. That little baby represents the happiest days of the young Royal couple's life, but to the press and the politicians that little baby is a way to make a quick buck. The truth is, the same people that put out press releases about a Royal Baby being born are the same ones that made statements after the verdict was read in Florida last week. Get your name in the spotlights when big news breaks is the creed of today's American politician. When those twenty six kids were killed in Connecticut, the pariahs were quick to capitalize on their innocent lives. It didn't matter what their views on kids, guns, or schools were before the shootings. The public sentiment was ripe for the picking. Jump on the anti gun bandwagon and jump on it in a public display for all to see. Standards, morals, and convictions, who needs that? Get me the news network on the phone and I'll side with whoever is popular at this given moment.
I often wonder, do any of these talking heads think they are making a difference in a single person's life? Do you think that any of those fools on TV last week, screaming about Florida's laws, will go back and actually try to fix those laws? Have I got a bridge to sell you! How many have followed up with the parents of Sandy Hook? Maybe if I had a television spotlight I could see one! Here in Louisiana, back in 2010 we had a little oil spill. Made headline news for most of the Summer. Politicians from clear across the globe had to get their two cents in on those headlines. Where are they now? Are they out in the bay reseeding oyster beds? Are they on the barrier islands replanting marsh grasses? Do they even mention the spill in the halls of D.C. any more? No, no, and no. You see, it's no longer a matter of being associated with a winner. The creed of today's charlatans is, "get me in the spotlight no matter who we have to step on!" Around here we refer to it as the bandwagon. And quite frankly, the people are fed up with the bandwagon jumpers.
Great sound bites do nothing to help the homeless. Expert analysis can't find an orphan a loving home. Stirring up hate can't fix race relations. Getting on national TV and screaming it's the lobbyist fault won't comfort parents that have lost children. And standing in the halls of Congress while reading endless economic reports will never feed widows. The people that make a difference in this world are the ones that search in the dark corners for someone in need. Helping people during their darkest days will never make for good television but it sure can bring joy to your soul. Forget the popularity contests. Help somebody that you actually know. Reach out to someone you can actually put your hands on. Make a difference in a person's life on a daily basis. Then instead of the thrill of the spotlight you can feel the warmth of the light of your own soul.
I often wonder, do any of these talking heads think they are making a difference in a single person's life? Do you think that any of those fools on TV last week, screaming about Florida's laws, will go back and actually try to fix those laws? Have I got a bridge to sell you! How many have followed up with the parents of Sandy Hook? Maybe if I had a television spotlight I could see one! Here in Louisiana, back in 2010 we had a little oil spill. Made headline news for most of the Summer. Politicians from clear across the globe had to get their two cents in on those headlines. Where are they now? Are they out in the bay reseeding oyster beds? Are they on the barrier islands replanting marsh grasses? Do they even mention the spill in the halls of D.C. any more? No, no, and no. You see, it's no longer a matter of being associated with a winner. The creed of today's charlatans is, "get me in the spotlight no matter who we have to step on!" Around here we refer to it as the bandwagon. And quite frankly, the people are fed up with the bandwagon jumpers.
Great sound bites do nothing to help the homeless. Expert analysis can't find an orphan a loving home. Stirring up hate can't fix race relations. Getting on national TV and screaming it's the lobbyist fault won't comfort parents that have lost children. And standing in the halls of Congress while reading endless economic reports will never feed widows. The people that make a difference in this world are the ones that search in the dark corners for someone in need. Helping people during their darkest days will never make for good television but it sure can bring joy to your soul. Forget the popularity contests. Help somebody that you actually know. Reach out to someone you can actually put your hands on. Make a difference in a person's life on a daily basis. Then instead of the thrill of the spotlight you can feel the warmth of the light of your own soul.
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