SAILING IN POLITICAL WINDS

SAILING IN POLITICAL WINDS

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Taking on a new administration is like tacking a sailboat.  As a nation, we have practiced this maneuver 45 different times.  We are actually good at it.  It goes like this:

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“Ready About” calls the helmsman.  A crewmember, at the leeward winch, swings the loose jib-sheet twice around its barrel, inserts the winch handle, and shouts, “Ready!”  The windward member, still controlling the taut opposing line, gives his signal, “Ready!”  They remain poised, waiting for the command to come-about. 

 The command “Hard-a-lee!” propels the sailors into motion.  The vessel arches into and through the wind, until her sails catch the breeze on the other side.  When the crewmembers complete their tasks, (one casting off his line, while the other secures and trims his), they both spring to the newly uplifted rail to help right the heeling force of the wind.  The maneuver sends the boat in a new direction, about 30-45 degrees from its former heading, yet ultimately, beating toward the same mark.

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So then, here we are.  During the campaign, we all heard the preparatory command, “Ready About!”  Everyone knew the directional change was coming.  Those on the windward side (the right), responsible for managing the winds force after the turn, moved into possession, and shouted, “Ready!”  Likewise, from the voting sailors’ station on the leeward side (the left), the shout came, “Ready!”  However, neither the casting off side (the left) nor the tensioning side (the right) was actually ready when vessel came about.    

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I have been in a number of races when this happened.  It is never good.  1) It looks sloppy.  2) It slows the boat down.  3) It causes tension among the crewmembers.  4) It almost certainly means winning is out of the question.  

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Nonetheless, there are several good things about a poorly executed tack.  1)  Sloppy tacking will not sink the boat; IF when it comes-about, the casting-off members actually cast-off their line, otherwise, capsizing is possible. Let go.  2) The boat can continue the race; IF those who are trimmers will in fact trim the sail properly.  Try not to get in the way.  3)  The boat can not only round the mark, but also finish the race: IF the new course is not much more than 45 degrees off the previous heading.  Crewmembers must all cooperatively coordinate their actions, without approving harm or danger.

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Finally, don’t forget; 1) rounding the mark is still a ways off and will require several more tacks.  2) Shortly, we will hear the command again, “Ready About!”  Instead of simply nodding “Ready,” each crewmember needs to do his part, even if that is nothing more than casting a vote.  3) The race is not over even when we round the marker ahead, which in this case is, midterm primaries, and elections.  4) We should concentrate far less on winning or losing and more on joyfully finishing the race.  Therefore, don’t give-up, and neglect your duty, rather do your part, and SAIL ON.