Good Politicians Hold High Regard for the People Only

Good Politicians Hold High Regard for the People Only

If one has been determined to devote his life to politics, he is required to be a philanthropist, altruist, compromising his ego. This is true with all nations and all races. It is undeniable that compromising one’s self-interest for the political affairs of one’s motherland is a must.
As 2010 can be expected to witness positive political developments, I have written an article in the Popular News titled “A year when politicians will become famous”.
Since the politicians are all ordinary human beings like other professionals, they cannot all be saints. Naturally, some will be more self-sacrificing while some willbe rent-seekers. Such being the case, when the majority of politicians are good-natured, able and qualified, the country will behold progress and development. One the other hand, when the majority are self-seekers, scoundrels, the country will be doomed to ruin. This is the reason why some people say, “Politics in the refuge of the scoundrels”.
In the hope of emergence of good and able professionals, I have been reading books to find a definition regarding what the qualities of a good politician are. To my satisfaction, I found a book about a 93-year-old American woman, who has been the Vice Mayor of Barclay, California, USA and councilor for eight tenures. She is nobody but Maudelle Shirek. I read a poem that honours her. That poem is indicating what the qualities of a good politician are.
Madame Shirek moved to Barclay around 1940. She became well-known for her persistent advocacy for the civil rights. She was an anti-war activist. She strongly supported establishment of labour unions. She also founded two Barclay Senior Centers and had promoted the awareness of the danger of HIV/AIDS. She led the liberation movement of South Africa Patriotic Leader Nelson Mandella. Besides, she had been on various commissions in important capacities inclusive of Barclay Workers’ Commission.
She is one among the oldest elected politicians in California State. The townhall of Barclay Town Council was named after Maudella Shirek. The readers, I hope, can now understand what qualities are needed to become a popular figure.

Written by – Maung Wun Tha

Translated by K.M.A