OPINION: Politicians Could Learn A lot from the Olympic Athletes

We are well into the Olympic Games from Paris, and the American Teams are having a very good showing thus far. Some people haven’t watched much, if any, of the games for one reason or another, which is sad because of the athletic talent that is on display.  

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I was listening to a recap of the success of some of the American athletes and the report was talking about the support that other American teams were showing for each other, particularly the Men’s Basketball team, who is comprised of some of the most popular and famous NBA players in the world.  

These players have been praising their counterparts in other sports both in interviews and on social media, which has been nice to see. And it got me thinking, maybe our politicians and political candidates should take note. 

We know that all the Olympic Athletes don’t share the same beliefs, but what they do share is their pride on representing the United States.  

It’s not uncommon for us to hear politicians talk about the “American People” when quite honestly, the don’t realize how out of touch from the American People they are.  

Olympic Athletes share a desire to represent their country and be the best in their sport. Politicians, I feel, claim to represent us but are only chasing power, money, and the benefits that come with those two things. 

They’re led by what their party wants, instead of what’s best for the people who elected them to be in the office they hold.  

Sure, Olympic Athletes can get endorsements, fame, financial gain and have other perks from being an Olympian. But, to me, that doesn’t seem as contrived as the overall goals of Politicians.  

How often do we see a politician from the “other side of the aisle” come out in support of something the other party is trying to do? If the goal is to really do what’s best for the American People, couldn’t they cheer on ideas from the other side because it would actually benefit the people first?  

Instead, we the people get name calling, insult slinging one liners that will make a social media ad campaign or a highlight on a 24-hour news channel.  

I don’t think what I’m asking for it impossible. It would require those who we’ve selected to mold the laws of our country to be mature in how they handle their business and to understand what their job really is. But I guess that is too much to ask or hope for.