John, When we look with despair at what's happening in Washington and also our state/local politics, I believe we're seeing the result of what happens when men and women with high moral character choose to bow out of the process.
Just look at how many honorable, respectable and compassionate leaders have either decided not to run for office or have resigned their elected positions sooner than expected. And many election workers and those who volunteer to work in our polling locations have had their physical security threatened, causing many of them to stop participating.
Many former elected officials have been replaced, in too many cases, by people who stoke outrage in their competition for attention with their base rather than working collaboratively to make a positive difference in the lives of their constituents or our country.
What really concerns me is how both sides are increasingly willing to use the levers of government as weapons to discredit or harm those they perceive as their enemies. This isn't necessarily new, but the intensity with which it's happening is alarming. Americans on the fringes of both parties are not only rooting for this madness, but also donating tens of millions of dollars to support an extreme agenda!
I spoke about this disturbing trend earlier this week during a recent interview. I hope you'll give it a listen and let me know what you think: |
Just look at what's happening now with former President Trump being targeted, while in response his allies are loudly broadcasting their intentions of targeting Democrats.
Where does this end? Who exactly is this benefitting? I know that your answer isn't that all of this is good for America, because we both know it isn't.
It’s driving the people with strong moral character from running for office, and you know what? I don't blame them. Why would you want to enter public service today if you could face being ruined financially by having to defend yourself from the justice system being used as a weapon against you?
I know you’ve heard me say this many times before, but I still believe that the solution is in our hands...in your hands. By using our voices strongly, but peacefully and lawfully, and by casting a vote, we have the power to make a difference.
If you're as concerned as I am about the direction of our country, then let's stop sending candidates to Washington who lack high moral character and the courage to compromise.
I pray that our country can find in itself the wisdom and bravery to change direction. I'm not suggesting we should go backwards, but rather forward with daring and determination in a new direction. We desperately need new voices that have fresh ideas and a fearless commitment to serve the American people.
John - the power is in your hands. What will you do with it?
John |
