Posted by
sherlou on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 9:09:21 AM
Americans, particularly our young people, watch what Presidents do, and not what they say. (Remember the Clinton years)
Those watching this election have seen John McCain lie about a fellow Republican candidate's words (Romney on time-lines), try to distroy him, (inaccurate personal comments in ads, debates and whisper campaigns,) and theaten him with physical injury, (McCain's campaign chairman threatened to "knock Romney's teeth out"). Huckabee questioned this good man's faith.
Romney's character and ability are evident in the living of his life. He is a deeply religious man who served in church leadership positions without pay. He is a deeply patriotic man who served as Olympic CEO and as governor without salary. He is a successful family man, with a wife and children who adore him, He is a happy man, who will continue doing good where ever he can. He is an amazingly competent and successful man. (A fortune five hundred CEO, after comparing candidate resumes would think the nation totally nuts for not selecting Romney for the job) He is a brilliant man who worked hard at school; validictorian, with consecutive Doctorate degrees in Law and Business from Harvard. (McCain graduating 5th from the bottom of his military class, worked hard at bucking the system. )Romney does not need power, he needs to serve. In comparison to McCain, Romney did not make personal attacks. He could have, (but did not) bring up the unsavory aspects of McCain's adultry, or Savings in Loan scandal. A lesser man would have done as McCain did: anything for personal power.
So, this is the candidate- the example, we offer our children. Goof off in school, lie when it will do you good, ruin someone's character, cheat on family members, distroy the savings of elderly people: but oh, I forget, he is the new "American Hero."
For all of George Bush's faults, I have been comforted in knowing that he was a man of faith and prayed continually for answers to the huge questions facing him daily. We now realize that another man of faith, one who was uniquely qualified to be president for this time and place, a man of character, made a nearly unheard of decision to reject power for the good of the country. (Remember Washington, who to the surprise of the world, wanted only to go home after serving his country in the Revolutionary War)
The Religious Right chose Wrong, some blinded by biotry, some by jealousy, some by not believing that a person could really be that "perfect."
Since the president sets the example for the rest of the country, shouldn't our first criteria for a president be character? Shouldn't we be looking for the guy with the sterling resume and the purpose driven life?
The United States motto is still (although possibly not for long) "In God We Trust." It would seem important that this be the motto of our president as well. We need character in our leaders. Today, we see that our best candidate was forced out by those who forgot the "Golden Rule" long ago. For all that it is worth, I will follow my heart, vote for Romney, and feel at peace.