On The Resolute & Infirm

There is a certain regard we give to our elected officials if they are unswerving in their convictions. This holds true whether their convictions are in the right or in error. We celebrate the steadfast leader with his unblinking gaze and disdain the leader who flip-flops or waffles.

John F. Kennedy and his handling of the Cuban missile crisis is a sound example of a president who was unyielding in assuredness. He initiated a policy of surveillance and quarantine of Cuba, which proved an unqualified success. He is and should be celebrated for the firm direction he provided America in a tumultuous time.

In contrast, Woodrow Wilson would be considered a flip-flopper by abandoning his isolationist policies and entering World War I in 1917 with current logic. Now you may say, “Well, the situation changed which necessitated American involvement.” That is precisely my point.

Many situations are fluid and demand a policy as dynamic as the circumstances themselves. With modern communication channels and a leap in technological innovation over the last three decades that is nearly incomprehensible, this dynamism is possible. However, we continue to vilify the flexible leader. In these situations, the circumstances should dictate the course of action and not the other way around.

There are absolutes in this world and our nation has laws and policies that reflect this. On the other hand, circumstances arise which force the hand of our leaders. Obviously, we also have leaders in this country who change their personal stances in order to gain votes or appease lobbyists. This is a subject for another time.

It is absurd to continue to malign our leaders who have realized their errors in judgment and have amended their stances on certain issues. We all have made grave errors that we wish we could undo. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia has been in office since 1959 and is the longest-serving senator ever. This is a man who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and in 2004 received an approval rating of 100% from the NAACP. In certain situations, changes to policy are not only prudent, but also essential.

Enough of the unblinking, statuesque figures that need only their convictions to support them. No more of the flip-flopping, wafflers who can’t decide on what their favorite color is, let alone a national platform. Let us hear what our leaders believe and why. No more. No less.

-Bill Doyle, Massachusetts