Recently I have seen an advertisement on television saying that we live in a divided country — those who love licorice and those who hate it. Folks, that may be amusing, but we do have division in the United States, as you all realize, and it’s no joke. This tragic and dangerous division is related to political party. Many of us seem to be more dedicated to party than to democracy. We live and breathe Republican or Democrat. When did we stop voting for the best candidate, no matter which party he/she represented?
I am talking not only about presidential candidates but others as well. Every candidate is important and deserves careful consideration. No president can get the job done without Congress. Lately our representatives don’t seem able to make decisions, which often require negotiation and compromise. Do we need to give more careful consideration when choosing members of Congress?
I believe it is a privilege to express our choices through voting. I also believe it is our duty. Before we vote, however, it is our responsibility to evaluate the candidates. What does he/she stand for? Do his talks make sense? Is she opinionated or is she willing to hear other ideas? Does he need to be idolized or does he show a little respect for others? Does she respect the Constitution? Does he have humility and a sense of awe for the position he wants to attain? Does she want to destroy or to build? Does he have a platform related to the country’s needs? Is he/she a divisive figure?
If we are to remain the “land of the free and the home of the brave“ and if we are to keep our democracy, I think we must vote but we must think first. Even if we don’t like either candidate, we must choose the one most likely to take the job of governing seriously because we live in serious times.
Mary Etta Sanders
Dalton