Keller @ Large: Patriots Can Teach Politicians

BOSTON (CBS) - This is the time of year for those who care about politics and government to sit back to reflect on the performance of Washington and Beacon Hill, and if you're reluctant to do so for fear of losing that good holiday cheer, I understand completely.

State government has been for the most part a depressing mess of bad judgment, questionable priorities, and selfishness undermining public confidence. The feds add an unhealthy dose of partisan gridlock and fiscal irresponsibility to the mix. It's enough to make you dread what 2011 might have in store.

But there's hope.

Really, there is. There is an incredible role model of how to guide a complicated organization to success right under our noses, and our elected officials at all levels would do well to analyze it carefully and copy it as best they can.

For starters, unlike our political establishment, this organization has a clear philosophy about how to succeed. Any disagreements about that have been worked out before they act, so they are not paralyzed by endless disputes about whether the earth is round or flat.

But this organization is also quick to cut its losses and adjust when its policies don't work out. The ability to think and act quickly is imperative in the world we live in; these folks have it, government does not. This model organization refuses to elevate individual interests over those of the group as a whole. There is no patronage hiring or promotion based on anything but merit. They also watch their budget carefully and refuse to spend unwisely.

Although they are under constant scrutiny and pressure from a variety of special interests, they never do anything strictly to get the critics off their backs. The result is an organization that gets the job done and leaves its public backers feeling they got their money's worth, results our public sector would do well to pursue.

But you wonder – are they humble and savvy enough to be taking careful notes every time the Patriots take the field?

Listen to Jon Keller's commentary here:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.