Character Debate

There are two main ways to judge a political candidate; on his or her record and platform, also known as "by the issues," or on character. Most people come up with their own system that combines these two methods in some way, but one will usually tip the scale more than the other.

I would like to challenge the voting by issues method since there one very important flaw, being that politicians will say anything to get elected, and we don't always know why someone takes a certain position.

Character is much more an important virtue that a person's position in the Iraq War, abortion, the environment. When I voted for Senator Bill Nelson (D) of Florida in 2006, I did so because of one thing I saw on a televised debate. He and his opponent Katherine Harris were debating the issues important to Florida and the nation. I know Nelson not to be a real activist in Congress so when I saw Harris verbally beating him with a stick for being just another Democrat aligned with his party bloc I knew how wrong she was. But it was the post-debate that decided my vote. When all was said and done and the candidates had ended their show, I got to see the real candidates. Thanks to the miracle that is local television the cameras were still rolling and I saw Nelson immediately walk over to the edge of the stage and greet those who came. Harris just stormed off, stage left. When it was apparent her absence was odd, she returned and greeted others as well.

Presidential elections are no different. When it comes to voting for someone, find out why they vote the way they do. Hillary Clinton votes for bills and hopes they won't pass. President Bush is the decider, having no time for debate - he knows what's best. I heard someone say that Ron Paul was in favor of abortions, but we live in a world where you can only be in favor of or opposed to abortions. Dr. Paul would rather see the federal government take no position on that issue, because when you have such a contentious issue like that, it is better to leave the decision up to the states, and even then if it is so contentious, leave it up to the counties and cities.

I am not trying to campaign for Ron Paul, but as someone with character he makes a good example. His position on the preemptive war strategy, or Bush Doctrine, is that this nation has no right to violate Just War Theory laid out by St. Augustine because it serves our national interests. An unruly empire behaves such a way.

When deciding who to vote for this year, consider the person's morals, values, and character. Do they have an overriding belief system or philosophy to government, or even religious convictions that guide every decision they make? Or do they change positions with the political winds? If you are not sure, research, if you still aren't sure they may be such shallow people they don't have any character. If your candidate is someone who you could have a debate with when you ask them, "why," then you might have someone good. Even if you disagree with them on a few important points, remember, they are the kind of person who will engage in debate once they enter office. Not like the current president who listens to no one and draws his own road map in the sand.