No easy job, for a MEP-to-be on the road in Estonia. So let’s start by acknowledging those to at least try to meet the voters. The larger part seems content with one word slogans – Brussels (for voters) is far away, Riigikogu elections (for politicians) are at the door and resources (money, ideas and people) are used very sparingly.
One of the active ones to tour Estonia recently was complaining over a controversy in people. On the one hand they grumble about politicians taking no interest in the common man and his problems. On the other, these same people blame the politician for not leaving them alone and bringing the noisy bandwagon.
But the reactions in people must be for a reason. The main thing perhaps being that the world where politicians live and move and have their being is so far from where the simple people pass their time. Let the city slicker imagine: here’s a guy, dwelling in the middle of nowhere – no jobs, few buses, doctors far away as are the schools. No movies shown, can’t go to the theatre. And then, as elections draw nigh, up drives the politician – in a big bus or a small, makes no difference – and asks to vote for him. Trying to compare to the business world, one gets the idea of a company that sold you junk and refused to fix it under warranty, now advertising its stuff at the street corner.
Sure: this is unfair towards the politicians who have done their very best for things to be better. But prejudices are hard to die. So what do we do? People bumping into a politician, on the village square, should grab the reins. Tackle the guy/gal – figuratively speaking – and do some straight talking. Talk about life in Estonia, and let him explain about things European. Good to first read a bit in the newspapers about a couple of vital topics, to arm yourself – then, you’ll be able to ask pointed questions and promptly find out if the politician is sufficiently in the know, or has some catching up to do for the important job desired. A lot can be found out about the person by how he answers and makes his points. In Brussels, one needs the skills of relating, communicating, and substantiating, so let’s send those who know how to do that.
The only way prejudices die is to face them down. Be bold, talk to the politician. Who knows, might be an absolutely normal person.