Respect for Candidates

 One thing is for sure. We each get a vote. One vote per person. That means that there are several candidates that we won’t vote for. Why not? Likely because we don’t agree with their positions on matters or we prefer to have the leadership of another individual instead. Either way, there are more folks that will fail in their bid to be elected than those that will succeed. This is a fact that all candidates are aware of when they throw their hat into the ring. What is even more confusing is that most of these candidates are well aware that they really have no chance at being elected and yet they proceed with the process any way.

Why would a member of a community choose to be criticized, questioned, sometimes laughed at or even belittled? I believe that they are truly interested in their community & country. I am sure that some individuals have less than admiral motivations but it seems like most are in it for a good cause. I also believe that although we care about our fellow man, we may not be right about what is best for them. It is true that some parties and candidates understand that they will not be voted into office but at least they are trying to bring attention to a certain issue or point of view.

 

My concern here surrounds the manner in which we express ourselves when we disagree with another’s policy, ideal or values. Too often in the recent election campaigns have I heard comments such as “those idiots” or “that stupid jerk” and I wonder where the respect is? If that candidate referred to individual voters in that way, they would be figuratively burned at the stake. Yet they are the ones putting in the time, money and effort to apply for a job. I am not saying that it is not ok to disagree with another person, group or point of view. I just think that we should show some civility and do it by identifying & referring to the points or issues themselves rather than being derogatory to our fellow citizens.

 

The comments, accusations and statements that bounce between candidates are a different story. They are all fighting for the same job and have the right to show their character how they see fit. It is a great way for us to see how they handle conflict, other attitudes and themselves under pressure. It also gives them a chance to demonstrate to us their respect for other members of society as each candidate certainly represents others of similar persuasion. When I see negative ads on TV or hear nasty comments on the radio, it only confirms to me that I do not want to be represented in that way. I am impressed when I hear clear statements from a candidate or a party regarding their position on an issue or their plan to deal with a situation even if I disagree with the details.