Politics

The Webster Dictionary defines politics in the following ways:

• the art or science of government
• the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy
• the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

So by definition, politics is less about the tactics (the how) that are employed in a government and more about the science, or the systematic study and observation of the government itself and who should control and influence it. Politics is about the art of influence, it is not the actionable items that can be taken in order to affect policy.

So even though politics is really a game that is learned and played using different strategies and approaches, and not the actual performance of work within the government, we still get wrapped up in each party's rhetoric.

I'm not trying to dismiss the idea of politics, that's not my point. Of course it is necessary for people to be persuaded and influenced by ideas in order for change to happen and tactics to be employed. So I'm calling out the obvious a bit, but like to remind myself that politics, by definition, means that candidates running for office are most concerned about how the game is played. 

Media fuels this and feeds the fire that is polarizing our people. One time a friend of mine said she hated me when she found out what party I was affiliated with. Little did she know that I sided with her on most issues. Instances like that make me agnostic. I didn't even bother trying to defend myself when I knew it was just media and politics driving her comment.

As I continue to watch the presidential race unfold, I can't help but feel that I just want to cut through the political fluff and get to the part where a bunch of people have to work together and run a business we refer to as the Government.