We all know that we are human and have flaws, hopes, and dreams for ourselves and our families, and one would expect our country and world.
With each passing year, we realize that altering our life's trajectory becomes increasingly challenging. We assume various roles within our family, workplace, and community. We grow set in our ways, comfortable or not; we accept the status quo.
When we do, society starts to go downhill because as the world changes, it demands a response. Be it the economy, environment, equity, equality, or evil in our world. Our primary institutions start to rot from the inside. History has many examples. Read today's news.
As we stand on the brink of the upcoming election, each of us must take on the responsibility of choosing our leaders and understanding what they stand for and how they will make decisions. They have the obligation to tell us.
It's important to remember that while we may disagree on policy approaches, fundamental rights, or our worldview, it is essential that we demand that our leaders be people of character.
Defined as they put the nation ahead of the party, they make the hard decisions for the good of the country, state, community, and all people. They prioritize the call of service and think and act long term, not to the next election. They honor the rule of law; they recognize the need to deal with challenging issues, local, national, and our role in the world; they look at data, facts, fundamental science, and economics, and rather than talk, they act with clarity and integrity. In short, they are men and women of character. Most importantly, they communicate with clarity and integrity. They honor collaboration and the understanding that we all don't see the data the same. They honor the rule of law.
This November, I will vote for members of both parties and an independent or two; my guide will be the individual's character. I want to know how they will respond in the heat of battle in the nation's best interest and our role in the world. We may not always agree, but character matters. I trust such leadership over the long haul to do the right thing, never perfect, but directionally correct and with the oversight of accountability and fair elections.
As we approach November, let us remember that character matters—no more status quo.
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