It’s a big day if you live in Alabama. It’s a big day in the US. As you get ready to vote, and I encourage you to do, here is something to consider. Below is a piece of what I wrote in response to a person saying vote for a particular candidate, not because they are any good, but because we need to control the seat in Congress he will hold. Their logic was that he would have an ethics investigation and possibly ousted anyway but that would allow a certain party to control the congress. When this rationale becomes our method of voting for candidates, we have all but destroyed the very democracy that framed this great country.
I must disagree with the logic of flat party voting. I find this type of logic is eroding the overall democratic process and the value systems needed for a stable democracy that benefits all people. To simply vote for the “party” no matter which one it is without careful consideration of the candidate, their value systems, and how they will work with other constituents is undermining our democratic process. Our republic was built upon an educated citizen voting with knowledge of what the candidate stood for and whether he or she would represent the highest values needed of a public servant. I am disheartened at the demonizing of the parties and the candidates, a carte’ blanche approach to voting, and not considering the values and integrity needed of a leader in the public sector. Our democracy must be more than just maintaining a seat in either one of the political parties. We are better served with candidates who uphold high moral values, demonstrate compassion for all people, and know how to build consensus and collaboration no matter what party is represented or even if no party is represented.
Although I am deeply tempted to speak about the candidates, I don’t believe social media is my best venue and will keep that to my closer circle. If you want to know…email or text me. But again, just voting for a party to keep a seat is dangerous, illogical, and will continue to have damaging effects on our democratic system. We must transcend this type of thinking and promote a more holistic way of selecting those who will lead our democracy most effectively with character values, accountability, and a record of excellence being primary traits of consideration.
My hope is this will drive your consideration for your candidate. Vote values. Vote character. Vote collaboration. Anything else may be unraveling and dismantling the very democracy we espouse to uphold.
Shalom,
Lisa Pierce
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