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As we approach another election in the United States we should examine what criterion should be applied when selecting a candidate to win our votes.
I am not about to suggest a party nor an ideology. These factors are not as important as the character of the person running for office. The criterion that is so important is to find someone that is good, honest and wise. A person that has these characteristics can be trusted with government.
Good: Will this person seek for what is best for the people represented or seek self agrandizement? Would you hire an attorney, doctor, accountant or guard that does not keep your best interest in mind before their self interest? No, You would not dare. The attorney could decide that it promotes his interest to make a bargain with the opposition. The doctor may decide it is more important to drive to the bank in the middle of surgery. An accountant may decide to skim off some of your money. A guard may turn his back on thieft. Will this person seek to commit crimes expecting to get away with it due to their office or position?
Honest: Will the candidate be honest with his or her actions or will they hide the truth? Will they make promises that they do not intend to keep? Will they pretend to take action to resolve problems facing the community while not making any substantial difference? Are they honest in all of their personal and professional dealings? Are they faithful to spouse and family? Shouldn't we be able to expect to be able to depend on what someone says to be factual?
Wise: What would it be like to have an office holder that lacked the wisdom to perform their duties? Wisdom does not demand expertise in every area but the ability to discern the inner qualities and relationships of things and to have good common sense. We do not need to have professionals to have wise officials.
If a candidate possesses these three qualities I do not think it is possible to go wrong regardless of their party or ideology. But the lack of these qualities will only get us into trouble. How can you expect someone that is not good, honest or wise to hold office and serve the public? Someone that is not good or honest will seek their own profit every time.
On the flip side there are several things that we should look for to indicate whom to avoid for office. These are the danger sign of worse than being dishonest. Anyone that fits these characteristics could under the right conditions seek to become a dictator.
© 2002 by George William Sweeney