“American” is a word that has unique and different meaning to all of us living, working, and serving under the flag of red, white and blue. Every four years we the people become embroiled in political posturing frenzies of talking points and debates--self-assured of our convictions in who we support.
In the climate of this years presidential election it is easy for so many to cast aside our commonalities in favor of all the skin they have invested in the political game.
Absorbing all the fiction and nonfiction in the back and forth controversies with one candidates inappropriate verbose and behavior and the other’s issues concerning emails--infused into an endless cycle of spin by surrogates and pundits--is enough to leave the most ardent supporters dizzy and scratching their heads.
Regardless of left or right leanings it’s a breath of fresh air to hear opinions removed from the everyday rumblings of pollsters, pundits or undecided voters hooked into instant audience reaction meters.
In asking my eldest daughter--who is eight years shy of being able to vote--what was most important for her in a President she responded with two words--”open minded” further commenting that “acceptance” of people was also important. Asking the same of her older step-brother--who has four more years until he can vote--he expressed “intelligence” and “trustworthiness” being the most significant of traits.
These answers did not carry underlying agendas or political motives—nor evoke passionate or mean spirited attacks. On the contrary they show what is working well in America--that our children value those things that our country has always looked to in our nation’s leadership. At ages ten and fourteen they “get it” and understand what we should expect from those who wish to govern in the Oval Office.
This election is not only about a vote for the left or right, it is a vote about grace under pressure in the face of fear-mongering, hate and alienation of those many individuals and groups that make up the melting pot of America.
As the visceral remarks and debates among voters reach fever pitch whereby people that are our peers, family and friends have often exchanged harsh words over their positions in support of Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump--it would behoove us all to remember that when the excitement and drama of this years election has run its course—our future will depend on our ability to reach common ground that unites, not divides, our democratic values as Americans.
“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather, it condemns the oppression or persecution of others. In achieving this spirit of tolerance throughout the community, the moral leadership of every person and every Government official, including the Chief Executive, must play an important part. It is neither enough to depend upon others to show the way, nor sufficient to allow leadership to rest upon a dedicated few. The moral commitment must be a part of our basic beliefs and our instinctive actions.” -John F. Kennedy
As a nation founded on principles of tolerance and tactful representation, we cannot elect to support those who would threaten and condemn our tired--our poor--our women—our disabled—our democracy—and those who are here for our freedoms so many yearn.
ARTICLES BY STEPHEN KRASNER