‘With words we govern men’

This frightening thought is found in the 1832 autobiography of Benjamin Disraeli – and it is true. I suppose governing with words beats governing by force. Yet it’s scary to think that a guy can talk his way into the job of head of state without credentials.

“With deeds we govern men” has a better ring to it.

Adolf Hitler’s mesmerizing oratory totally captivated the German people. He was absolutely unqualified, yet they followed him blindly. The throngs of people Hitler attracted would endorse his rantings with roars of approval.

On the other hand President Abraham Lincoln’s voice, according to one witness was “shrill” and “squeaking.” This was a politician who delivered one of the greatest speeches in American history – the Gettysburg Address. How many people in the crowd of 15,000 could even hear him?

Think about this: Disraeli’s observation was before the inventions of microphones, radio, talking movies and television. So it was in 1863 too. Lincoln didn’t have a mike; not even a bullhorn. The people of that time did not appreciate his speech. On the other hand, Hitler’s speeches were transmitted over an amplified microphone to crowds, and he was heard on radio and seen and heard on film.

Disraeli was really referring to the printed word. He was a well-known literary figure, even prior to becoming twice-elected British Prime Minister. Voters had to read his printed words in order to be “governed.” Since the rate of illiteracy was so high, words were often transmitted by word of mouth.

To get a contextual macro view of today’s politics requires looking at history, since history is an unfolding continuum. A snapshot in time – even a generation – doesn’t allow for an accurate analysis of the evolution of culture – in this case politics. Back then the written word carried the day. It had to be thoughtful and substantive, because the reader could only be influenced by the quality and logic of the writer. Motivation by the written word requires a clever writer and an equally sharp reader who could reflect unemotionally.

Politics has now evolved to where politicians make an art form out of 30 second sound-bites, theatrics, appearance and juvenile populist messages designed to resonate with the uninformed voter of average intelligence and education. (Adolf Hitler comes to mind again.) Hey, that’s where the votes are! These are the voters who do not read to stay informed.

Congressmen themselves rarely write well-reasoned substantiated analyses of their personal legislative positions. We have to suffer through weary talking points. Then there are those legislators who admit they do not write, read or understand the very bills they sign.

The highest value by voters today is placed upon the rhetorical ability and the personal appearance of a politician. (The skill of being a performance artist and motivational speaker influences voters more than leadership competence and accomplishments.) Performance skills have become critical since a politician’s speech can be instantly heard and seen by the entire nation – or for that matter around the globe. (Disraeli’s words were only heard in the well of the British Parliament.)

So now have a Congress with an unusually high number of Far Left liberals led by a President whose only skill is rhetoric, and limited to written teleprompter speeches. In the right setting he is much like a scripted performance artist and motivational speaker.

We need to be reminded again that in 2006 and 2008 Obama won Best Spoken Word Album Grammy awards for two books he wrote about himself which catapulted him into the presidency – his election being described by Time magazine as “The steady march of seemingly impossible achievements.”

Obama is incapable of leading the Congress, but he does lead his followers. We know why. As Disraeli said “By words we govern men.”

His rhetorical skills alone do not cut it with knowledgeable legislators in either party because they know behind all the words is an empty suit – and according to many inside observers – one that is small-minded, ideological and arrogant.

As Bob Woodward reported in his recent book “The Price of Politics,” when Republican minority Whip Eric Cantor handed the President a modest one page list of proposals, Obama responded, “The polls are pretty good for me now…Elections have consequences, and Eric, I won.”

Space constraints make it impossible to catalogue President Obama’s talent for announcing with conviction obvious inconsistent policies, thus appealing to everyone. People hear what they want to hear. The mainstream media lets him get away with this because they are convinced of his commitment to Far Left European socialism.

Words may go to George Bush’s lips to die, but thanks to the media, words come from Obama’s lips to evaporate, or walk off the page. Recall when during the Democratic primaries he excoriated Hillary Clinton and John Edwards for proposing the individual mandate which “forces everyone to buy insurance even if you can’t afford it, and you pay a penalty if you don’t.” He later signed that very provision into law in Obamacare.

His energy policy speeches are downright baffling – all over the ballpark. He has taken so many different positions he can switch the pitch on cue depending on the audience and the circumstances. He goes beyond simple flip-flopping, by embracing inconsistent policies at the same time.

He bills himself as the wind and solar president, yet brags about the amount of oil production under his leadership. At one time he clearly supported $5 a gallon gas, now he demonizes oil companies as prices escalate. He faces competing political pressures, so he’ll say anything to get reelected – maybe even “drill baby drill” as the election gets closer.

His stated goal is to fundamentally change the America we knew. He had to bide his time after the Democrats lost ground in the 2010 election, but once re-elected, he’ll pull out all the stops, and rule by executive order if necessary.

Words do mean something. But we need to stay focused and not get mesmerized by crafty speakers, or as Disraeli warned, allow ourselves to be governed by words alone.

John Reiniers, a regular columnist for Hernando Today, lives in Spring Hill.