Popularity is a Problem!

Morris, the Governor’s most trusted assistant, died in his sleep one night. The Governor had depended on Morris for advice on every subject, from pending bills to wardrobe decisions. In addition, Morris had been his closest friend.

So, it was understandable that the Governor didn’t take kindly to the droves of ambitious office seekers who wanted Morris’ job. “They don’t even have the decency to wait until the man is buried,” the Governor muttered.

At the funeral, one eager beaver made his way to the Governor’s side. “Governor,” the man said, “is there a chance that I could take Morris’ place?”

“Certainly,” the governor replied. “But you’d better hurry. I think the undertaker is almost finished.”

***

He was Mr. Popular in town, a joke always on his lips and a most winning smile on his face, until that one fateful day when he whispered to his buddies that he intended to run for the presidency. He believed that he could make a positive difference.

He lost the title Mister Popular forever; now he was on “their” side. If he won, he would never again be able to please everyone. If he reduced taxes, there wouldn’t be social services, a move which would cause the rich and middle class to be happy, and the poor to be outraged. If he spent money on education, the nature freaks would cry, “We need money for the parks!”

The president’s seat might look spectacular and awesome, for the (so far) dozens of hopefuls promising to grab the seat in 2008. However, observing the confrontations facing the President, the tough decisions he must make and the downhill rollercoaster polls, you kind of wonder if you truly are envious of his seat.

Leadership and politics, with all their glamour and fanfare, have a great downside: they attract enemies. As long as this individual held a private life and kept a low profile, he was loved by all – after all, why not? The moment he undertook greater responsibly for his surroundings and decided to make a difference, the animosity checked in.

Of course, it must be noted that we aren’t talking about those who chase after political positions for egoistic pursuits and would “sell their grandmother” to make it onto primetime television. We’re talking about the honest and motivated individuals who truly feel the responsibility to make a change in the world.

Do they give up because of the challenges?

Mordechai, of Purim fame, was the greatest sage of his time. His devotion and dedication were felt and by all and he was loved for it. The story of Purim only boosted his prestige: he had almost single-handedly saved the entire Jewish nation from annihilation!

But then king Achashveirosh decided to appoint him Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. Now, he entered the political arena.

The Meggilah concludes by telling us that when Mordechai entered politics, he was suddenly not popular with everyone. Although most admired him, some of his friends admonished him for his stance; some scorned his values. He was no longer Mister Lovable.

Yet, as a leader, Mordechai knew that one does not shy away from leadership and responsibility because of depressing polls or statistics. Helping people takes precedence over popularity. And yes, standing up for what is right may have its price.

But if you know that what you’re doing is right, then you don’t care about the polls. The mission must go through, even at a personal cost.

Tell that to America!