Time for some real leadership in D.C.

We’ve been inundated lately by political chatter about Fairness. Really? With sincere apologies to the few in D.C. who truly are trying to make a difference (you know who you are, but most Americans may not), I ask a favor. Please engage and take the lead on this.

Yes, it’s hard to do, but don’t be afraid that by leading from the front, you’ll risk an uncomfortable Jerry Maguire-like moment. Forget about it.

As a stakeholder in this, I implore you to set the example, be the model, walk the talk, own it, etc. You are, you know, supposed to be working for us. Oh, and by the way, I ran across that “can” everyone seems to be referring to. He looked tired and worn and pleaded, “Can you please ask them to stop kicking me down the road?”

So here’s the deal. Encourage your colleagues to put the “Do as I say, not as I do” mode on hold. Start pointing your thumb instead of your finger. Drum up the courage to look in the mirror and acknowledge that a fairness discussion begins with you. After all, most of your constituents don’t come close to enjoying the benefits and perks you have. Personal assistants, staff, expense accounts, access to insider information, etc. ”C’mon man!”

So please, get off the soapbox, the lecture circuit, and spare us the campaign rhetoric. You want to talk about fairness? Ball’s in your court. Wake up America, and stop allowing yourselves to be fooled over and over again.

R.D. James

Wheaton