When my kids were in elementary school, I was on the PTSA as the liaison between the parents and the school district. I was not, and have never been very political, but I enjoyed meeting the school board members and the occasional state senator or representative.
We had a new kindergarten mother come to the PTSA meeting one night, and when I introduced myself and explained my role in the organization, her response was, “Pffff. Politics!” as if we were all stupid for even thinking about such things. No one said anything for a few seconds. For me, it was one of those moments when my mind went completely blank, and I could not think of a single rebuttal.
Of course, I could not sleep that night because I thought of several things I SHOULD have said. Primary in my mind was, “You may think politics are stupid until your son is in a kindergarten class with 25 other kids, and the teacher is so overwhelmed that she cannot give enough attention to each child.” As time went on, I wished I could have had more conversations with that new kindergarten mom. I pictured her complaining, and me responding, “What? You don’t like the school calendar?” “So, you don’t want to supply five boxes of tissues and wipes? You expect the school to pay for them?” “You don’t think the board should have hired that teacher?” “Yes, people who have never taught can be in charge.” “Hahaha. You really think teachers have the summer off? Let me explain some things.” I could go on, but you get the idea. She only came to a couple of meetings, so I never had the chance to say any of these things.
There was a time when I thought the same way she did. It wasn’t until I became the parent of school-aged-children that I understood that the people we elect make decisions that can directly impact our lives. I am still not political, but I take time to do a little research before voting. I occasionally contact elected officials to voice my opinion. I still think of that “Pffff. Politics!” woman and wonder if she ever figured it out.