“No matter what name we give it or how we judge it, a candidate’s character is central to political reporting because it is central to a citizen’s decision in voting.” Roger Mudd
We will soon go to the polls. We will have to pick the person who for the next four/eight years is going to be the standard bearer of America and for the values for which it stands.
Such vote should be based on the candidates’ character, the mental and moral compass of an individual, not on demagoguery.
We will have to choose between the two main contenders, a Republican and a Democrat. Abstaining or voting for a minor candidate (one who does not have a chance to win) would be a disservice to the nation for “Bad officials are selected by good citizens who do not vote.”
It is an important choice and every citizen ought to be involved. Basically as I see it, it is a choice between authoritarianism (repression) and democracy.
Beware of demagogues. Once in power they have a tendency to drift into force or violence. And once a choice is made, it is quasi impossible to backtrack.
Show me a “macho man” and I will show a potential dictator.
Even if you don’t read newspapers or magazines, you still can form a basic opinion by watching news clips.
Watch for the candidate who insults or denigrates any specific group; we all belong to such a group, be it socialist, Christian, Freemason, homosexual or the press corps.
When the man in charge takes on any such group, he is very likely to soon take on another group that displeased him.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller
In California, employees can take as much time as they need in order to vote, but only a maximum of two hours is paid.
On Tuesday, November 8, forget anything else, vote! Your life depends on it.
Alain
“I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.” — John F. Kennedy
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