The O’Toole Chronicles: Star Fu@ker

Good morning, and I imagine you are asking yourself what is a star fu@ker? I’m glad you asked.

One of the more tragic flaws of a politician reveals itself when he or she is welcoming a crowd and as they enthusiastically work the supporters, rapid fire shaking one hand after another, and moving to the next throng, simultaneously gazing into the abyss of people and anxiously look for that one high roller or impact player. We have all seen that politician who is glad handling the masses while his/her eyes are relentlessly searching for the big name—the speaker, the congressman, the governor, the double max contributor , and then suddenly jerks away from the hand they were shaking and jets over to the marquee player. That in a nutshell is a star fu@ker.

Likewise, if we went to a movie premier and we were talking amongst friends and the movie’s star walked by and that one friend suddenly bolts from the group to race to the position of opportunity to possibly have 3 seconds with that movie star—that is a star fu@ker. Not too difficult to understand.

I have toyed with writing about this topic for some time as I was a bit worried about the subject matter and I knew full well that to fully capture the mood and spirit of this,  I had to entitle it STAR FU@KER, which gave me pause for about a minute or two. But obviously, I got over it. So here we are.

This concept of a star fu@ker exists in part because in our society we don’t treat everyone equally. The movie stars, professional athletes,  politicians, doctors, and lawyers are usually put upon a societal pedestal, and I submit undeservedly so.

I have noticed over the years that whenever I was in a crowd and had a certain title before my name, I was afforded more attention and perhaps better conditions and benefits than others around me. For those that know me, I never felt comfortable cutting the line or getting seats others weren’t afforded. I can pay my own way and don’t mind the lines.

In a similar vein, I always shield away from using a title or position to get notoriety, and I was never big on wearing the senate or assembly pledge pin to notify the crowd that that pin conferred some special superpower, and all should take note. And while we are at it, I would rather use my 1990’s edition assembly leader sweater vest as a shammy to buff my automobile than wear it with its crest popping out as a political calling card.  Again, I obviously have no objection to folks wearing clothing that comes with the current job, but wearing coats, jackets and outerwear with titles that you held years ago reminds me of the type of people who wear their high school varsity football jackets when they are attending the 20-year school reunion. A bit of a reach, isn’t it? And btw, if all you have is a warped reflection of the so-called glory days, you should seek a hobby or find a charity for work.

Speaking of my favorite transitional phrase, by the way,  it isn’t only the politicians who are the sole offenders when it comes to star fu@kerdom. I know a bushel of individuals who love to associate and run with the elected class and swear some oath of lifelong allegiance,  as if it gives them some upgrade in society. We all know that there is a certain underground crowd that has a hero worship for elected officials and so called public big shots. I understand the disease that is politics and I have been infected once and now cured.

I remember in 1989, when running for local office, I had my only fundraiser at a local firehouse. I reserved two prime parking spots for Congressman Minish and Assemblyman John V. Kelly. Both promised me that they would make an appearance, and I excitedly told everyone that they would soon arrive,  but neither one showed up. That moment not only dented my fragile ego but also taught me a valuable life lesson about leveling expectations and putting people on pedestals.

While we are at, we all know the professional political groupie who swoons when the politician came marching in. I was once that pathetic gawker and now reflect how pathetic it was.

Lesson of the day- don’t be a star fu@ker and don’t idolize politicians. At the end of the day, if we elevate and lionize them, they will disappoint.