Have we lost our sense of commitment?

As many people have heard and read since Friday, Governor Sarah Palin resigned as governor of Alaska, citing several reasons that included making a choice that was in the best interest of the people of Alaska, the toll politics has taken on her family and the need to go in a new direction. While I certainly respect the rights of all people to make choices and decisions for the best interests of their family, I find it hard to trust that the reasons she cited are the real reasons for her choice. The more I started to think about it though, the angrier I got. How do we teach our children that when things get tough, you stick with it and you don't give up if the people who are leaders and supposed role models don't show that same sense of commitment? And the whole idea of being a lame duck? Aren't many of our elected officials lame ducks at some point? Have we really created such a system of "politics" that we can no longer be productive, valuable assets in our roles? Is there really nothing productive that Sarah Palin could have brought to the state of Alaska for the next 17 months? And, is it really that easy to walk away from something that is such a big commitment and responsibility?

The bigger question becomes about honesty, transparency and trust. From where I sit, Sarah Palin has shown little regard for all of these things. It would have been much more honest to stand up and say that since last August, her life, and that of her family, has changed dramatically and that she feels that there is another path for her to be on right now. I would still wonder how someone could quit on a commitment, and a commitment that was made by thousands of people voting in support of you, but at least I would believe her. Commitment is taken lightly these days by so many, personally and professionally, and that lack of commitment affects something much bigger, our beliefs. When people honor commitments, then I can believe in you and am willing to make an investment in you. I will work hard for you and I will stand up for you, because I am committed to you. We need people who make commitments and stick with them in order for us to be a better, stronger nation. What we don't need is another politician who is willing to cast us aside for something bigger and better.

Here is what I am taking away from all of this - a reminder that when I make commitments, it is important to stick with them, no matter how tough they get and no matter how hard others make it for me. I cannot blame others for the tough road I end up on and use that as a justification for quitting. No matter how you color it, quitting is not about integrity and commitment. I have been a little lackadaisical in my own life lately with commitments - making them, focusing on them and sticking with them and that changes today. I am not going to be a person who chooses to walk away or go in a new direction when the one I have becomes challenging, tough, unfair or undesireable. I choose commitment, for all its challenges, toughness and road blocks along the way.

So, there is one thing I can now thank Sarah Palin for and that is reminding me about the importance of making and keeping commitments. Thank you for a valuable lesson.