By skyforbes 
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about Senator Mitch McConnell saying that if people lose their Medicaid coverage, “they’ll get over it.” He said it behind closed doors to other Senators, and it’s rubbed a lot of people the wrong way — for good reason.
Because here’s the truth: if you’re going to make decisions that affect people’s lives — like their health care — you should be willing to live under those same decisions yourself. That’s just basic respect. And honestly, it should be the bare minimum for anyone in leadership.
But McConnell? He still gets taxpayer-funded health insurance. That means while he’s okay with cutting healthcare from people who truly need it, he gets to keep his cushy benefits — paid for by American citizens.
That’s not leadership. That’s hypocrisy.
Traditional Indigenous Leadership Did It Differently
Now, if we look back to traditional Indigenous leadership — before colonial systems took over — this kind of behavior wouldn’t fly.
In many Nations, leaders were chosen based on their wisdom, generosity, and ability to care for the people. They weren’t above anyone else. They lived the same way as everyone in the community — they shared in the struggles, the work, and the decisions.
And if a leader ever started making choices that hurt the community or served only themselves? They’d be removed. Elders or governing bodies would step in. That’s accountability — not in theory, but in real practice. Because leadership wasn’t about status or ego. It was about service, integrity, and responsibility to the people.
What Would It Look Like If We Brought That Back?
Imagine if today’s leaders had to actually live by the policies they passed. Imagine if they couldn’t hide behind power and privilege while cutting the things that keep others alive.
Would McConnell still think it’s okay to slash Medicaid if it meant losing his health coverage too? Would he be so quick to say “they’ll get over it” if he had to sit in an overcrowded ER, or choose between medicine and rent?
Probably not.
It’s Time for a Shift
We need leaders who show up for us — not just with speeches, but with actions that match their words. We need leaders who live with us, not above us.
It’s time to get back to leadership that puts the people first, that values community well-being, and that understands power comes with responsibility — not entitlement.
If your policies only work because you’re shielded from their harm, you’re not a leader. You’re just another politician protecting your own comfort.
Let’s build something better.
Let’s lead — and demand leadership — like our ancestors did: with care, courage, and community at the center. It worked for the union movement and the power of the people can work again.