Have We No Shame? 559.4
"These are the times that try men’s souls."
This is the opening line in a 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine calling on fellow citizens to create a new government based on noble principles like truth, honor, justice, respect for human dignity, and compassion.
Looking at the way we’re trying to elect a President leads me to believe that our commitment to these historic American values, rooted not only in our founding documents but in the character of our favorite heroes from George Washington to Superman, has faltered.
During the Army-McCarthy Hearings – a low point in American history marked by blacklisting and persecution – U.S. Army attorney Joseph Welch exposed the conscienceless nature of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s character assassinations when he asked, “Senator, have you no shame?”
That same question could be asked of political partisans in the current election who are sinking to new lows in efforts to destroy opposing candidates, the media who seek out and repeat every negative inference, and the public (maybe including you) who condone distortions and unproven allegations and exaggerate the importance of any statement, act, or relationship that puts a candidate in a bad light.
Yes, each of the remaining candidates has flaws and vulnerabilities, but they’re the best we’ve got. One of them is going to be the next President of the United States.
Let’s recommit ourselves to truth, honor, justice, fair play, respect for human dignity, and compassion. Let’s discourage the mutilation of these Americans and let them tell us what they’ll do if elected.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Candidates should have character. The three that are left have very little character. So why shouldn't they be mutilated?
Posted by: Joel Kalmen | March 27, 2008 1:29 PM
Perhaps your most important point is that one of the candidates will become President of the United States. As one who has traveled abroad in the past year, I know our national character has been severely damaged. While I fully believe in doing due diligence on every candidate, I also believe we are not doing our country any good by mutilating one who will eventually lead us.
Further, I appreciate the reminder to those doing the mutilating (self included) to consider our own character as we question and do damage to others. [Insert the Golden Rule here.]
Thank you for a timely and insightful post.
Posted by: Carol McLain | March 28, 2008 7:27 AM
Thank you for your call for fair play and concentration on the issues. Divisive measures will leave ill will long after the candidates are chosen. Instead, how about a 'contest' (like on reality shows) where the candidates tell how they would spend our country's resources. Our country is our family and a budget is what WE must all have.
Thanks for listening.
Posted by: Mike | March 28, 2008 7:31 AM
The bottom line is this. The person who will lead this country should think and want to help ALL people -- a person who has shown and set an example in his or her life which shows he or she can relate to the people. Not a party or special interest. We all are sinking in the same boat because of a few people in the world who only think of themselves and those they are connected to. Let's bring back values and caring for mankind and the value of life. Too many people are losing their lives for nothing but greed. Please let's stop all of this fighting and look at each other as one, not as a group.
Posted by: Terrie G. | March 28, 2008 10:14 AM
Yes, one of these three individuals will be our next president. It is time to realize that the spin of the media many us use for entertainment will continue to run us in endless circles and get us nowhere dividing our country in the process. We need to create and demand an environment for discussion of issues and solutions and do away with what seems to be a sick form of sensationalism rather than an effective decision-making process. This unproductive behavior is the biggest threat to our country and shows our lack of good stewardship with all we have been given as Americans.
Posted by: Dianne B | March 28, 2008 6:36 PM
I was studying with my daughter (16) on the subject of "the turbulent 60's". In describing those years, she commented that civil disobedence has turned into civil disrespect. She sees the candidates slander each other, backpedal on issues, and altogether act unprofessional and unethical and embarassingly bad. She asked me if "I had to vote for these people," are there no candidates who have character? She said "after all, character counts." I print your commentaries and leave them on the desk for her to read. To my great surprise, she reads and takes them to heart. I couldn't agree more, character really does count.
Posted by: Tom | April 8, 2008 7:37 AM
This commentary couldn't have been more timely. The day before it aired, I received one of those e-mails addressed to everyone on the planet unfairly (at least in my opinion) maligning one of the current candidates. I replied to the sender with a link to this commentary.
Posted by: Mike | April 10, 2008 11:35 PM