Guest Editorial-Voting

The following is written by a Cheshire gem/author. CTCurmudgeon is a big fan of his work, can't wait for the book. The world can learn a good deal from this man. Maybe he will start a blog too.

CHECKLIST FOR VOTERS

by John White

Since citizens—we the people—are the owners of America, a candidate for public office should be considered as if you were a business owner hiring a CEO to run a business for you.  You want the very best person for the position.  

An election is not a beauty contest or a popularity contest, so good looks or a pleasing personality are not enough.  Nor are charisma and oratorical skill.  (Hitler had both.)  High visibility in the media does not necessarily equal trustworthiness.  There are more important concerns which should be examined thoroughly before deciding whether a person is qualified for the job and deserves your vote.  In other words, what is the candidate’s resumé?  

Here is a checklist of a dozen significant aspects to examine about people seeking your vote.  Cast your vote on the basis of thoughtful consideration rather than hasty, superficial judgment or warm, but vague, fuzzy feelings.  The future of America to some extent depends on that.

1. PRINCIPLES, IDEALS AND VALUES.  What are the candidate’s publicly declared principles, ideals and values?  Are they based on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?  Or does the candidate espouse principles, ideals and values which are contrary to them, such as socialism, communism, fascism, benevolent dictatorship, monarchy or other forms of government which place the state above the citizen and disregard the liberty and rights of the individual?  Has he or she been consistent in espousing his ideals, principles and values or have they changed over time?  If they have changed, why—and what does that tell you about the person?  Does he place principles before party?  Is she loyal to a party or to the country and the Constitution?  In short, what does the candidate stand for?  And is that the same as what the candidate says he or she stands for?

2. VOTING RECORD.  What is the candidate’s voting record?  Does it support his public declarations?  What legislation has he supported?  What legislation has he introduced?  What position(s) has he taken on various issues?  Has he changed his position on issues, and if so, why?  Does he cite the Constitution as the basis for his votes in office?  How do various organizations rate the candidate?  Does he believe that your property and wealth belong to you or to the state?  Does he favor bigger government and more spending, or reduced government and lower spending?  Does he want more taxes or debt to pay for more spending or does he want to reduce taxes and debt?

3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS.  What is the candidate’s record of accomplishment?  What has he done during his term(s) of office?  What has he attempted?  Accomplished?  How have those accomplishments been regarded by various political, business and social organizations?  

4. POSITIONS TAKEN ON ISSUES.  What position has the candidate taken on “hot” issues such as taxes, spending, welfare, foreign aid, military strength, health care, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc.?  Has he or she been consistent in his position?  What promises has he made to voters?  Has he followed through on his promises?  If not, why not?  

5. POLITICAL SKILLS.  Has the candidate demonstrated leadership?  What type of leadership:  bold and courageous or quiet and diplomatic?  Was it appropriate and effective for each situation?  Does he or she show good organizational skills, with a clear understanding of how to administer or manage and how to rally public support?  Does he show good communication skills in speaking, writing and media appearances?

6. WORK EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE.  What is the candidate’s experience outside the office he holds or seeks?  Has he or she worked in private industry?  In what capacity?  Has he started a business or run one?  If so, how successfully?  Does he support free enterprise and capitalism or government control of markets and pricing?  Does he support any philanthropic or charitable organizations, and if so, for how long?  Does he or she volunteer in any civic or community capacity, and if so, how long has he been involved?  

7. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS.  Does the candidate have any licenses or certifications which indicate special skill and accomplishments?  Are they relevant to the office being sought by the candidate?  For example, is he or she licensed to practice law?  Does he have certification as a public accountant or other profession immediately relevant to holding political office?  

8. EDUCATION.  What is the candidate’s education, both formal and informal?  What is his academic performance, grades and class standing? Does he hold any academic honors?  Is his academic record appropriate for the office he seeks?  If it is not directly related, how has the candidate schooled himself for political office?

9. CHARACTER.  How do you evaluate the candidate’s character?  The Founders said very clearly that our republic is made only for a moral people.  An immoral people will devalue honor, honesty, justice, fair play and the rule of law.  Only people of good character were intended to serve in public office; that is why there is the process of impeachment for high crimes (violations of law) and misdemeanors (grossly immoral behavior).  Do you believe he or she is honest?  Do you trust him to keep his promises?  Will the he or she live up to the oath of office which requires him to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution?  Is he what you regard as a mature person and a moral person?

10. BACKGROUND.  Is there anything in the candidate’s background to recommend him, discredit him or raise a caution sign?  Is the candidate married?  If married, what do you know about his or her spouse?  His immediate family background?  Does he or she have children?  Does he have a religious upbringing and/or practice a faith?  Does he have military service?  If so, what kind, and was it honorable?  Is he decorated for combat bravery or other military excellence?  Where did he grow up?  Is he native born or naturalized?  Has he published anything which bears on his qualifications?  Is there any scandal in his life or hint of it?  Are his business associates upstanding?  Are his political associates known as honest and patriotic?

11. FAMILY AND RELATIVES.  Who are the candidate’s parents and close relatives?  Are they well-known public figures or unknowns?  If any are public figures, what are they known for?  Do they have significant accomplishments or personal scandals?  Are they well-rated for public service or do they have unsavory reputations?  Do they offer guidance and support for the candidate, either directly or indirectly?  Does the candidate appear to be utilizing them because of their notoriety?  Is the candidate running as successor to a “political dynasty” or on his own merits?

12. REFERENCES.  Who recommends the candidate?  Is he or she supported by people and organizations you know and trust?  Are there any special interests or lobbies behind him, such as a church, veterans groups, civic and fraternal organizations, labor unions, financial companies, medical groups, etc.?  If so, how do you regard them?  

When casting your vote, remember the words of Samuel Adams, who said to the Boston Gazette in 1781:

Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual -- or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.

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Excerpted from The Pledge of Allegiance & The Star-Spangled Banner:  A Patriot’s Primer on the American Spirit by John White (in progress).

John White is author of 15 books.  His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Reader's Digest, Esquire, Woman's Day and other national media.  His latest book, not yet published, is America, Freedom and Enlightenment.  He lives in Cheshire, Connecticut.