|
Since when did
character not matter?
Why is it the catch phrase,
“Keep it within the issues,” so very popular with candidates
who have things to hide? When did it become so forbidden to let the public
know of personal indiscretions when considering a candidate’s fitness
for public office?
The same candidate can provide a history of every little assistant coaching
job, trip to a Cub Scout pack, or church membership, yet omit arrests,
divorces, bankruptcies, lawsuits, and other unflattering behavior.
As a public official and community representative, aren’t morality
and integrity an issue? With public office, my community’s name becomes
part of their title, therefore reflecting on my community and its reputation.
A candidate with personal bankruptcy may have problems handling other
peoples money. A person with marital indiscretions is probably untruthful.
A history of harassment and lawsuits may indicate a personal quest and
hidden agenda for power and control, at any expense. Any of these can
affect how votes are cast on many issues concerning a community.
Has our history as a country, and the influence of the media clouded our
belief in morals and honesty? Do we believe a moral person will not run
for civic office, thus giving up? Have we been numbed into accepting Clintonian
type behavior?
I’m not looking for a saint; no one is perfect. If you can proclaim
qualities on a political flyer saying one thing, yet your history shows
another, shouldn’t we be privy to that information so we can decide
who is fit for office?
An easy method of checking on a person is to look at the public records.
The Open Records Act can be used both ways. Ask the local police station
for each candidate’s history of reports filed both by and against.
The county courthouse has both civil and criminal files readily available.
Read the affidavits telling of a person’s actions. Check bankruptcy
files at the district courthouse. Check for each and every candidate.
Campaign flyers can proclaim all kinds of ethics and morals, yet distort
the truths. Frisbees thrown from a parade don’t give a very good
assessment of a candidate. Look at the records, talk to the people who
know the candidates, ask the questions. The best way to judge a man’s
character is in how he conducts his personal life. How does he keep his
word, pay his debts, treat women and children? That is an issue!
I myself have made many mistakes, and have my share of faults, but I’m
not telling you how great I am. I’m not running for office, I don’t
need to stand up in church. If you would like to talk to me about the
candidates, though, or any of the issues, my phone number is in the book.
I will not be numbed into thinking there aren’t ethical people willing
to run for office. Running for the office out of civic duty, not to build
a low self-esteem or ego. Nor will I be numbed into believing that arrests,
bankruptcies, divorces, lawsuits, and other unflattering behavior are
not part of the issue.
Paul Schwanitz
Peachtree City, Ga.
|
