I have noted that some recent letters to the editor have endorsed candidates. I would never do that because I don’t think anyone cares a whit for whom I voted.
We all see things through our personal lens. Perhaps during this election decision time I can write about some of what has colored my thinking. I often write about politics, but I try not to be partisan. I admit to being worried that my government has lost its soul.
My dad, who taught himself to use a computer at age 80, taught me to embrace change while steadfastly embracing the value of ethical principles ensuring that they govern our actions. I learned from him that situations govern responses, but situations never justify unethical behavior. In short, things change but ethical principles remain steadfast.
History teaches that the rise and fall of nations depends essentially upon the underlying moral strength of their citizens. Perhaps our nation’s best days were after we defeated the axis powers, then lent a hand in their rebuilding. But if we citizens condone unprincipled action by our leaders, we are contributing to a lesser America.
Let me give an example. Since March 15, 84 million unemployment claims have been filed largely because of the coronavirus. Last week, 1.3 million unemployment claims were received. Industries such as the food industry are in disarray. The cold weather and increasing COVID-19 cases tell us that the problem is not going away soon.
Yet, the Senate has decided to focus its attention on ramming a new Supreme Court justice through the system rather than to address the needs of unemployed Americans. Why would Senate leadership play out such an inappropriate priority — because politics is more important than helping our citizens in need.
During this same time in which thousands of Americans are testing positive for the coronavirus, the federal government has reaffirmed its position to strike down Obamacare in court. If the government prevails in the Supreme Court, 20 million Americans will lose their health care. It would also result in losing the practice of parents extending insurance coverage for kids up to age 26.
Without Obamacare, of course, insurance companies would be permitted to reinstate the practice of excluding coverage to those Americans with some preexisting medical condition. Regardless of one’s position on Obamacare, wouldn’t the existence of a pandemic cause a rethinking of this course of action and its timing?
The purpose of the examples is to demonstrate how today’s politics defy support on moral grounds. America’s return to greatness depends on our ability to again become an ethics-based nation. As I filled out my ballot, selecting candidates and considering the many propositions, I kept asking myself what is the right thing here or who is the best choice?
So, my election discussion includes the suggestion to disregard the disingenuous political parties. They don’t give a hoot about citizens. Their only priority is to retain power.
They tell us this is a fight for the future of America. They are correct but not for the reasons their talking points highlight. I have great faith in Americans to get it right. Turn off the dishonest ads and go with your gut. That’s my election endorsement.