I can’t imagine making a run to be President of the U.S. and being heavily scrutinized in terms of an accountability and ethics record.
On Thursday night in Cleveland, Ohio we watched ten Republican candidates put to the test for two hours defending their statements, past positions, accomplishments, current positions, beliefs, and ethics.
This is just the beginning for them and seven others who debated prior to this nationally televised event.
All of the candidates have accomplished careers in one form or another, but running for President is a severe challenge that opens up every crack of their souls and exposes them to the temptations of power, greed, and entitlement.
Just contemplate for a moment everyone addressing you as Madame President or Mr. President.
It can transform the very foundation that comprises our morals, principles, values, and ethics.
The very simple exercise of answering a question in a forthright and direct manner is apparently more difficult than it should be.
Last night, some of the candidates struggled in this area more than others.
What does it take to be a good candidate for President, not be the stereotypical politician, and force meaningful change in our country? I think the following attributes are a good start:
1) Be honest- Do not distort, alter, or embellish accomplishments. Do not say one thing and then later deny it or start the spinning game.
2) Convey ethics as a foundation of who you are, what you are all about, and what you value.
3) Be accountable. This means admitting to past mistakes and learning from them to improve as a human being.
4) Be authentic. I believe this means saying what it is on your mind, looking others in the eye, and acting in a genuine manner.
5) Act responsibly and be a purposeful leader. This means not blaming others for your mistakes or deflecting blame. Moreover, purposeful leaders do not put their own interests first.
They excel as listeners, consistently speak to a greater goal or the collective well being of others, and never are arrogant, greedy, or entitled.
The Founders of our constitution are probably rolling around in their graves utterly astonished, dismayed, and disgusted with the massive problems our country faces. Make no mistake about it my friends, we are a ticking time bomb waiting to explode with our debt, healthcare problems, heavy-handed federal government, out of control spending, lack of job creation, and growing poverty that isn’t slowing down.
In my presentations I often suggest that the single biggest problem facing human beings on our planet is the lack of ethics and huge volumes of systemic and moral rot. It is the cause of every major problem we are pretending to deal with.
It is time for fresh perspectives from citizens who aren’t career politicians that can solve problems via powerful change.
I urge every politician to step up, quit putting your own interests first, and rethink how long you have been in office for the benefit of the constituents who you answer to and elected you.
For my readers: you know the battle call. Do your best each day and look out for other humans.
Review your ethics and always deploy your moral compass each day.
Never forget your faith, who you answer to, and always be thankful and grateful for what you have.
Peace out/blessings, Mark
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