A California state senator once wrote a fascinating little book
whose title spoke volumes: What Makes You Think We Read the Bills? So, I
do think that one characteristic of a good politician is that he or she read the
bills! But there’s more to possessing the power of positive example and being a
politician at the same time. I’m referring to having convictions, believing in
something, putting truth and fairness and right ahead of re-election.
I know a state senator (I won’t divulge the person’s name or
even whether he resides in Michigan) who has told me on more than one occasion,
"Larry, you’re right, I agree that’s the right way to go, but I can’t vote that
way because I’d lose the next election." I never found him to be an
inspiration.
Then there are politicians like my friend Dave Hollister,
usually labeled in the press as being "very liberal." Dave was a long-time
state representative from Lansing who recently left the state House when he was
elected Mayor of Lansing. I have rarely agreed with Dave on issues, but I
admire and respect his courage on conviction. He believes in something. He
preaches it and he practices it. He tells people what he believes, not
necessarily what he thinks they want to hear. He has never been afraid of ideas
different form his own, and he vigorously defends his own ideas. I respect
him.
If you think about it, of all the tens of thousands of
politicians who have come and gone in American history, the memorable ones whom
we look up to are not, for the most part, the wet-finger-in-the-wind,
believe-in-nothing types, but the ones who stood for something.
If you want to enter political life, my advice to you is, stand
for something and have the courage of your convictions to say so. The advice of
George Washington seems appropriate here: "If to please the people, we offer
what we ourselves disapprove, how can we later defend our work? Let us raise a
standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The rest is in the hands of
God."
I suppose some of you might be saying, "OK, so he’s telling us
to be good. So did mother. What else is new?"
What I’m saying is, keep your youthful zeal for doing good and
for changing the world. Some may call you idealistic, but progress is never
made without ideals, and those who champion them are the examples we most admire
and remember. Resolve that you will indeed make your mark and shape society for
the better. But understand that it is not enough to preach to others, no matter
how good it might make you feel inside. It is not enough, indeed it’s probably
counterproductive, to try and shape the work by the use of force or political
decree. You have it within your power to wield great influence. Just recognize
that how great that influence will be, is in direct proportion to your ability
as a shining example to attract others to your cause.
Graduates—With the degrees you’ve worked long and hard to
achieve and will take with you today from this fine institution, you have a head start on success in life. Now, it’s up to you to rise to the duty of serving others as the very best examples you can possibly be in every aspect of all that you do.
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Congratulations, Good Luck, Best Wishes, Godspeed, and Thank
you for this opportunity.
