by J. Evert Jones and Olivia Rubio
February 22, 2013
The following was
submitted to the Los Angeles Times in response to James Rainey’s February 22 article:
Garcetti Role in
Budget Fixes is Disputed.
The true essence of politics is conciliation. The multiple parties, the multiple voices in
our political system reflects this essence, as our nation was founded on
dissent. The struggle to navigate the best course for our nation, our state and
our community lies in the acceptance that diverse opinions exist that are equally
valid, equally compelling, equally deserving of consideration.
Eric Garcetti should be praised for his willingness to seek
consensus, especially in the face of heated dissent. A public official should never shrink from
the public whom s/he represents, but keep them engaged in dialogue—this is part
and parcel of our political process.
Labeling Mr. Garcetti as a “conciliator” as though it were a pejorative
is a great disservice to the people of Los Angeles.
Trumpeting “fiscal hard-liners” as Mr. Rainey suggests in his
article, is nothing more than embracing the trivial platitudes of Monday
morning quarterbacks. It’s easy to call
the play the day after or shout criticism from the sidelines, but another thing
entirely to be on the field in the thick of the game. As Mr. Rainey notes in his article, Mr. Garcetti
is unafraid to face and defend his decisions for our city, despite even
vehement disagreement.
A quote attributed to the French philosopher Voltaire sums up
his philosophy: “I may disagree with what you’re saying, but I will defend to
the death your right to say it.” A
conciliator understands this, and Los Angeles needs a conciliator right now; someone
with a keen eye for the future, yet grounded by the realities set for
today. This is the true essence of
politics, and of an effective leader.
the wealth, and combat the oppression of the rights of workers and farmers - 1892
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