"Choose your battles" is a common phrase in teaching and in parenting. I have heard this piece of advice and passed it on to new teachers and new parents. I thought I understood it, considered it and applied it well. I thought I was familiar with the "hills I was willing to die on." I try to be rational and reasonable in peace-keeping, especially at home where just tonight I reacted in a calm fashion when the 10-year-old in my house pulled his pants down and slapped his butt cheeks in his sister's bedroom doorway, which resulted in the sister violently grabbing his cheek (facial) in frustration. I thought I knew how to pick these moments, when to fight and when to rest easily on the sidelines. I was wrong. Today I realized I failed to pick my battles in one important arena - the politics of this country.
For so many years I have taken part in many education-related fights. I have made phone calls and canvassed neighborhoods for propositions, budget overrides and candidates. I have participated in union meetings and activities, always trying to represent my fellow teachers and demand what is best for my state's youth - now my own youth (the irritants mentioned above). I have been a part of victories and some defeats. Recently the defeats have been many. When I say recently, I mean the last eight years. Still, I found myself gearing up for whatever altercation was next, armed and ready to advocate. Some of those local fights were winnable. Unfortunately, I now know many of the conflicts I was involved in were not. The latest was certain to be a loss going in. Regardless, I fought against the confirmation of an anti-public education Secretary of Education nominee who now holds that position.
Taking part in this battle was stupid. I had no business being involved. No one issued me dog tags. I wasn't in that army. Why? The answer is simple. I am not a politician protecting precious party lines and special interests while watching out for my next campaign contribution. In fact, I was a casualty before anyone even took the field - a worthless imposter, trying to get some shots in without a weapon. Expending any efforts was futile. I am now aware of this. I am also aware that right or wrong, good or evil - none of this matters as long as money is involved. As long as two political parties are involved. As long as lobbyists are involved. As long as million dollar campaign contributions are involved. As long as politics is involved - Democratic or Republican.
I am going to think much more before I head into battle in the future. I don't need to be collateral damage. I have enough disappointment in my life. I don't need to have the sprinklings of hope only to realize my actions had zero impact. I don't need to insert myself where I don't belong. My skirmishes will be much closer to home now. I can handle them. I'll pick and choose when to get militant in my household. I'll let the name-calling go. I'll turn my head when somebody "borrows" a stuffed animal from someone else's room. I'll ignore the dog poop that didn't get picked up . . . again. But when someone sets someone else's hair on fire, I will run the gauntlet.
