Respect for Nation Begins with Self

At Middle Township’s Memorial Day observance, there was a moment, during the playing of the national anthem by the Middle Township High School Panther Marching Band that struck me.
There was movement all around, some people, traffic, all oblivious to the patriotic music that was performed. As a realist, I simply chalked up that utter disregard of our nation to ignorance.
For those who never experienced life in the military, here is one point to consider. At 8 a.m., the flag is raised, the “Star Spangled Banner” is played, and everything stops.
Salutes are held until the last note ends. Then, and only then, life resumes.
It is a simple mark of respect for the flag, which is the symbol of the land in which we live, and for those who have passed on to make this a free land.
As are so many small things, lost in modernity, this is but one small mark of how the person regards him or herself in relationship to others. Who holds open a door for someone else? How many surrender their seat on a public conveyance to a woman or elderly person? Do we rise to greet someone who comes into our office or room?
Then I consider the reality of today. In particular, the just-past Republican primary election here in Cape May County. It was, if nothing else, a litmus test of partisan sentiment in grassroots government. It could well be a solid reason why so few place themselves in consideration for elective office.
Last week, former Middle Township mayor Michael J. Voll stopped into the office to say that he would not be a candidate in the local municipal election.
Voll said he prayed about the move, discussed candidacy with his wife and family, all of whom are familiar with politics and what it entails. Regardless, he opted to run for township committee.
Such trepidation about candidacy shows, perhaps, why some disregard the flag and don’t stop at the playing the national anthem.
The political process that we witnessed over the past few months here in Cape May County is but a drop in the bucket. Consider the revelations recently published by Pennsylvania’s Democrat senatorial candidate who trounced incumbent Arlen Specter.
Former President Bill Clinton called him to offer a job if he would not run against Specter. In Colorado, a similar thing also occurred, in that the White House tried to offer a job in return for a favor not to run.
Backroom shenanigans? Yes, all part of a process that has become accepted too long in our process of electing officials.
I wonder, why must U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) a virtual shoe-in for reelection, have a “war chest” of over $1 million to get elected?
In this county, no Democrat stepped forward to run against County Clerk Rita Fulginiti. I like Rita, always have, but one vote could put her in office. Why spend money in the process?
In Middle Township, there is no Republican running against Mayor Susan DeLanzo, thus ensuring her continued service.
As Voll indicated, and many can see the truth in it, too few people are willing to step into the public arena, fearing what the process may entail, dragging their families and past into public scrutiny.
It should not be that way, and, if we want to see true governmental reform, that mindset and process must change.
Too much emphasis is placed on the amount of money raised, and too little question is placed on the candidate’s platform and agenda to help our ship of state right its course.
We ask too few hard questions of our candidates. We also expect far too little from party chairpersons, who are supposed to come up with a slate, a full slate, of candidates who voters will want to elect.
Civics classes are teaching one thing, the real world is running in some other way.
Voters are like the brick in the foundation of the nation’s government, although they often forget that fact. Regardless of the amount of money spent on slick advertisements and electronic advertising, too few ask the hard questions, like what are your plans if elected? How many tell their officials, “We expect you to run our government the way we would if we were in your place?”
When voters take a stand, “leaders” respond. When any board or council looks out on a room filled with angry voters, things happen, things change. On the contrary, when they look upon a sea of empty chairs, they proudly think “Ah, what a great job we are doing. Keep up the good work!”
When more of us truly either get involved, by voting or by stepping up as candidates in the political process, will things change. When that happens, perhaps respect will abound, and when the band plays the national anthem, traffic will stop momentarily, people will stand with right hand over their hearts, and we will see the dawn of a new day in this great land.