It’s no secret that I’m a lazy procrastinator. I mean, why should I do anything at this moment when I can put it off, perhaps forever? Moreover, if I put something off long enough, maybe someone else will do it. Then again, maybe it really doesn’t need to be done at all.

The thing is, people like me can be pulled into the illusion of the present. It’s the proverbial “Okay so far,” remark of the optimist. Never mind the problems or the dangers that lurk ahead. I am okay and I refuse to concern myself with the future.

I know this attitude has been and will be costly in the future for me. I wish I could change my attitude, but, you know, it’s just me.

As an individual, that’s bad enough. However, when a person holds an office of public responsibility, such as mayor, governor, or president, this can be very costly.

Consider the national debt. “okay so far,” so, naturally, nothing gets done about it. Indeed, they keep adding to it. They have been deceived by the illusion of the present.

I speak of the national debt but it is hardly the only thing that the politicians keep putting off. After all, as long as things last for the remainder of their time in office, it’ll be okay. Whoever inherits the job will inherit the problem. And, invariably, they will find some way of putting it off as did I.

And we, the voters are fooled as well. The politicians say, “All is well,” and we believe them. After all, we do go to work each day. We draw our paycheck. We go to the store where we are able to buy food and other goods. When we toggle that switch, the light comes on. Me, with my wonderful 8,000 BTU AC, am living in more comfort than the kings of centuries past never dreamed of.

What could go wrong. What stupid thing will some stupid politician do that can change all this? Right?