Judgenot's Blog

Who are you when no one is looking? We all do our best when others are watching. But what about when no one is looking? That's where character comes in, giving us consistency.

I say this because it’s important to understand the character of the candidate you hope to lead this country. The United States is a diverse place with millions of people that have many distinct ideologies and ethics. Recent events have brought to the forefront of national attention what people view as morally acceptable behavior for public officials. These events have also raised the question: What is the relationship between the personal character of our political leaders and their ability to govern wisely. I’ve recently realized that so much of my thinking is the direct outcome of how my parents raised me.  Ideas they transmitted through discipline and conversation are ingrained in me. I was always taught to be proud of my country, have pride in the ideals that has made this country strong,and never do something that is morally  wrong unless your willing to face up to it one day. 

Throughout history, and particularly in the case of President Clinton, if the economy is doing well and the country is in a general state of security, most citizens are willing to look the other way on the morality of their leaders. I want my leaders to have a strong moral character, with a solid foundation of religion, but I also think that when it comes to carrying out the duties of an elected office, personal character and religion do not affect a person’s ability to govern wisely.

   I feel Leaders everywhere no longer express as much confidence about the future as they once did. When they speak candidly, it often sounds as if they feel trapped in quicksand, unable to move forward easily. The methods and tools that helped them succeed in the past no longer work. The challenges they face — such as global competitiveness, health and environmental risks, or inadequate infrastructure — can no longer be solved by their organizations alone. And when they try to reach beyond the boundaries of their own corporation, government agency, or nongovernmental organization, there often is no clear pathway to success. Character is that inner strength that is needed to deal with crisis and change.  I hope this year when it’s time to vote we vote with the sound mind that the person we voted for is true and of sound Character not just another smooth talker .