2008 Woodie Awards
Think twice about political involvement
Ryan Thompson dishes on pros and cons learned from his political experience
Ryan Thompson
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Opinion
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When I entered Hillsdale College four years ago, I decided to get involved in politics at the grassroots level in the Republican Party.
While I never had an interest in running for office, or working for the government, for that matter, I have always been interested in politics for some reason.
I bet many freshman easily fall into this category like I did four years ago. Like me four years ago, I could possibly benefit from the following advice:
Because I wanted to be involved in political groups, I joined a few on campus.
I rose through the ranks of one very quickly, not because of ambition, but the encouragement of other members in the organization.
They liked my organizational talents and dedication to achieving goals. I happily filled these roles as they came along.
Over the next two and a half years, I rose to the top of the leadership of this organization. Furthermore, I accepted a leadership position in the statewide affiliate of the organization.
While the ranks may sound impressive, this tale lacks a happy ending for a number of reasons.
First, know whether or not you want a political career. If not, prepare to face a few challenges.
Most people involved in politics dream of holding some office someday.
Consequently, the political culture assumes everyone involved follows this mindset, and anyone who does not is considered weak or a liar.
Furthermore, if you do not desire an office someday, you are viewed as an easy target by those who see politics as their way to success in life.
I never wanted to make politics a career so this made me an easy target for those who wanted to challenge my dedication to the cause.
Second, if you do not neatly fit into the ideology of the respective political group, be prepared for problems.
For example, I tend to be a conservative leaning moderate.
This made me ripe for attack because I differed from the party line on issues that are not very important to me.
While I never had an interest in running for office, or working for the government, for that matter, I have always been interested in politics for some reason.
I bet many freshman easily fall into this category like I did four years ago. Like me four years ago, I could possibly benefit from the following advice:
Because I wanted to be involved in political groups, I joined a few on campus.
I rose through the ranks of one very quickly, not because of ambition, but the encouragement of other members in the organization.
They liked my organizational talents and dedication to achieving goals. I happily filled these roles as they came along.
Over the next two and a half years, I rose to the top of the leadership of this organization. Furthermore, I accepted a leadership position in the statewide affiliate of the organization.
While the ranks may sound impressive, this tale lacks a happy ending for a number of reasons.
First, know whether or not you want a political career. If not, prepare to face a few challenges.
Most people involved in politics dream of holding some office someday.
Consequently, the political culture assumes everyone involved follows this mindset, and anyone who does not is considered weak or a liar.
Furthermore, if you do not desire an office someday, you are viewed as an easy target by those who see politics as their way to success in life.
I never wanted to make politics a career so this made me an easy target for those who wanted to challenge my dedication to the cause.
Second, if you do not neatly fit into the ideology of the respective political group, be prepared for problems.
For example, I tend to be a conservative leaning moderate.
This made me ripe for attack because I differed from the party line on issues that are not very important to me.
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