As my family knows, I am a registered independent and sometimes political cynic. I feel very strongly that the best candidate should win, regardless of political party. And more often than not, I get frustrated hearing both sides bicker back and forth while hurling accusations and "twisted" or "polished" statements/statistics/numbers at one another. It seems to me that many times these "facts" are taken out of context to make one person look bad, or alternatively, are used as marketing/PR hero quotes to create a certain image for the candidate when the complete image may be quite different from what is always presented. So, at times like this when I feel irritated, confused and worn out from the constant barrage of accusations and rhetoric, I try to stop and bring my focus back to the basics.
And almost inevitably, as I ponder what principles, policies and experience levels are important to me in a presidential candidate (setting aside party rhetoric), I always come to the same conclusion.
I want a man (or woman for that matter) that demonstrates the utmost integrity, especially in the face of adversity.
I want a man of principle who not only "says it" but also "shows it."
I want a man with tested experience that I trust will make sound decisions in prosperous times as well as hard ones.
I want a man who has compassion for the people within his country's borders as well as those outside.
I want a man who understands and supports the value of family.
I want a man with strong financial acumen and foresight.
I want a man who is genuine and who stands up for what he believes in.
I want a man with an in-depth understanding of our nation's military.
I want a man who knows how to work amicably with others who don't share his same views.
I want a man with a sense of humor.
In short, I want my Grandpa to be the next president of the United States. He embodies all of the above qualities (and then some!) and I can only hope and pray that in my lifetime I will see a man of his moral standing and experience become President of the United States.
And almost inevitably, as I ponder what principles, policies and experience levels are important to me in a presidential candidate (setting aside party rhetoric), I always come to the same conclusion.
I want a man (or woman for that matter) that demonstrates the utmost integrity, especially in the face of adversity.
I want a man of principle who not only "says it" but also "shows it."
I want a man with tested experience that I trust will make sound decisions in prosperous times as well as hard ones.
I want a man who has compassion for the people within his country's borders as well as those outside.
I want a man who understands and supports the value of family.
I want a man with strong financial acumen and foresight.
I want a man who is genuine and who stands up for what he believes in.
I want a man with an in-depth understanding of our nation's military.
I want a man who knows how to work amicably with others who don't share his same views.
I want a man with a sense of humor.
In short, I want my Grandpa to be the next president of the United States. He embodies all of the above qualities (and then some!) and I can only hope and pray that in my lifetime I will see a man of his moral standing and experience become President of the United States.
Lets start a write in campaign! :) When I read it to Grandpa, he just laughed at the end...totally caught him off guard. He was voicing his agreement right to the moment his name was mentioned and then he burst out in laughter! He loves your writing style and of course you!
ReplyDeleteAMEN to that...I would vote for him! ;)
ReplyDeleteCandice, I just found your blog through Emily's and hope you don't mind me reading it. I love what you wrote here! Count me in! I also love your Christmas wishes. I think I'll borrow your idea and do that in my own family.
ReplyDeleteYou are one amazing woman and beautiful one too. I'd sure love to see you in person someday soon!