Are we listening?
I mean really listening. It is an
art you know. It not only means hearing
the words that slide off someone’s tongue but also deciphering the motivations
and hidden meanings through observing tone, body language, and motivation.
Over the past few months,
millions of us have stayed up past our normal bed times to watch some or all of
the fifteen presidential debates. Why? Now,
I am not a politician, pundit or pollster but I surmise some have already made
up their mind and only watch for the entertainment value and, admittedly, many
of the debates have been laughable. But,
I believe the majority of us want to become informed and ultimately make the right
choice about who is the best person to lead our country. The dynamics of this election cycle are
making it exceptionally difficult.Think about it. Amazing promises of change abound from almost all of the candidates. Each candidate contends that they can do it better than the other because they are (A) establishment, (B) non-establishment, or (C) none of the above. We want to believe our favorite candidate, at least at the moment, is the best and can do everything promised. On the other hand, we are so disgusted with the partisan gridlock in congress we want to throw up our hands in despair and give up. All the candidates claim they can tear down the barriers and get things done. Bring it on!
But wait…hold the phone, push pause, and block the spam! Are we not also observing name-calling, personal attacks, insults, cursing, and antics that mirror elementary school spats among the candidates? Cute, funny…let’s think about this. If a person cannot even maintain common civility among just a few opposing adults, should we think they are going to react any different when a large group of legislators disagree? Will they call them names and expect everyone jump to attention? What if leaders from other countries simply have other ideas, at best, or disagree with them entirely regarding international issues, at worst? Will they take their marbles out of the game and fly home?
The candidates would like
us to believe their campaigning demeanor is all part of the game but, if
elected, they will magically develop decorum and represent our country with sagacity
and finesse, domestically and abroad. Of
course, this incredible transformation from their campaign trail “anything-goes”
persona to oval office stateliness will indeed allow them to instantly work
through all opposition and fulfill all their promises. Hmmm…
The truth is very few us
average Americans will ever meet or have a conversation with any of the
candidates, much less really get to know them.
Making an informed decision about who to vote for based on a few soundbites
here and there is difficult but it seems to be more important than ever to do
so. The world is changing and there is
so much at stake. Citizens do have the right to expect the candidate we ultimately elect to be president of the United States of America to not only speak responsibly but act with dignity, even under duress, every day not just when the mood strikes. Let’s put all the candidates on notice that we are looking beyond their promises and assessing their potential to inspire productive, meaningful relationships so this country can move forward. Yes, we are listening!
