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ARTICLES, INSIGHTS & IDEAS
by Eli Mina
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WILL IT BE COFFEE OR WATER? By
Eli Mina, M.Sc. |
| A
citizen watching a public meeting of a municipal council complained that
the mayor and the councilors were using coffee mugs. When contacted to explain
what he thought was wrong with this, the individual could not explain, except
that it didn't look right. They say that in politics appearance is everything
and perceptions can become reality. So what might be the problem? Drinking coffee is associated with a casual social gathering. You think about a coffee break as being the time to relax and refresh yourself. If the Mayor and Council are seated in front of the public and conduct the business of the municipality, it is not a social gathering. It is serious business, and it should have the appearance of it. What else? Coffee is dark, and water is transparent. Symbolically, the business of the municipality should appear to be transparent. A clear water glass (as opposed to a mug or a Styrofoam cup) filled with water (and not juice or soda or – heaven forbid – an alcoholic beverage) is consistent with the value of transparency and the stature of the deliberations. Sound picky? Perhaps, but as I said, In politics appearances do matter. Of course, some individuals may have special health needs that will be more important than appearances. The most important goal is to deal with issues effectively and make the best decisions for the community. Appearances are secondary. |
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