Lately, as we consider who we think is the best choice to serve in public office, we find ourselves wondering what is most important for the country, the state and the cities we love. And as we consider this important question, we find ourselves weighing the character and tone of the people running for office as much as the policies they would effect.
Good policy is crucial to effective governance, and we make no mistake about that. Our preference is for limited but efficient bureaucracies that respect individual liberty and recognize that government exists to serve the people and not to be served by them.
More and more, however, we find ourselves worried about a nation that is dividing itself so deeply that people cannot stand the company of those with whom they disagree. The sense of good versus evil has entrenched itself in daily political discourse.
To our eye, this is a problem that begins with our political leaders. And it is a problem that, left unchecked, will grow malignantly into a threat to the future of the republic.
A house divided against itself cannot stand, as Lincoln reminded us. And if we do not find ways to mend our divisions, we will fail. And that failure will be catastrophic for human freedom.
We need leaders who have the depth of character and the strength of spirit to reach beyond the safe borders of their own parties, and beyond their predispositions and policy prejudices. We need leaders who are willing to tell hard truths to their own side and to listen honestly to the other. We need leaders who are willing to diminish the good versus evil trope instead of capitalizing on it.
Only an honest person can do that. Only a person with a spirit of strength and conciliation can do that.
It's so easy to spit fire and preach to the choir. Turn on your choice of cable news or flip open social media to get a dose of that cheap act.
It's so much harder to be willing to say that you will meet the other person somewhere in the middle. It's so much harder to tell your own side that the whole loaf isn't on the table.
We want politicians who are willing to do that. And when we make our choices, we are making them with that in mind. So we hope you vote, that you make your voice heard. When more voters turn out, when more Americans cast their ballots, the more incentive there is for our elected officials to serve the needs of the whole. Saturday is Election Day. Will your voice be heard?
