I refused to sell my soul.

I have a distaste for politics. But gotta admit that maybe I enjoy the game of politics. To some degree. Especially when I was younger. Because it was easier then to proceed in a ruthless manner. Without much conscience. Just for the sake of getting my way. Now I'm inclined to play fairly. With an open mind. In a more or less non-partisan way. But still, I'm partisan. In that I'm a liberal. With socialist and communist leanings. I sort of despise Republicans. Especially the ultra conservatives. And those associated with the Tea Party or religious groups. I remember attending a political party caucus when I was in my early 20s. And left feeling sick. To my stomach. And in spirit, too. Because I was being encouraged to think like a robot. Really, to not think at all. To follow the dictates of the party. Which went against my independent and maverick streak. Felt a little like selling my soul. To the devil. To evil spirits. Guess I was learning. That politics is a game. About achieving power. It wasn't until I was 36 that I had the courage/stupidity to personally test the achieving of elected political office. I ran for the local school board. And got elected. By campaigning door to door. And handing out a calling card. Proclaiming that I would be a good listener. And easily accessible. I gave out my home telephone number. Call me. Anytime, I said. I also defined my stance on all sorts of school and education-related issues. And I poked fun at the current school board. I was aware that the board would pick a new superintendent during my three-year term. And I wanted a big say in that matter. Turned out that the board voted 5-1 to offer the job to a particular guy. I was the dissenting vote. Didn't think the guy was suited for the job. And so I telephoned him. Told him so. And lo and behold. He listened. And turned down the job. That pissed off the rest of the school board. I was accused of sabotaging the hiring. Guess there was some truth to the charge. And it became apparent that if I endorsed anyone for superintendent, it would be the kiss of death. So I kept my mouth shut. And the board ended up hiring a guy I secretly favored. Which gave me a sense that I had achieved a political victory. That I had gotten my way. By alienating everyone. I finished my term on the school board. But never sought any kind of elected political office again. Because it would have made me a professional politician. Which meant I'd have to sell my soul. To the devil. --Jim Broede