Three Ground Rules for Americans to Play by in Run-up to the Election
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Americans seek an atmosphere of dignity and respect in this election. Civil followers need honorable leaders.
America votes for a new president in less than one month. Memo to Americans: choose well. More importantly, ACT well. I propose three ground rules for Americans to play by:
- Show respect to your fellow Americans.
- Prioritize America over party.
- Resolve to remain engaged in the process.
Show respect to your fellow Americans
Respect each other. A teacher who feels valued excels in her classroom. Police officers who sense our appreciation uphold the law with joy. The way we treat each other is imperative. While candidate’s positions are vital, the greatness of America lies in our love for neighbor.
We fashion respect by putting relationship ahead of politics. Model civility in your discussions with friends, family, and co-workers and prevent issues from ruining your relationships. Honor public officials by using their titles. Say “Senator Obama” rather than “Obama.”
Watch the television shows that treat their guests with respect. Turn off the hosts that argue, promote squabbling, or create chaos without honest reflection. Americans have a duty to keep politicians accountable. If we surrender that right with playground bickering, we lose the ability to effect lasting change. The trailhead to the mountain of respect begins at your doorway. 
Prioritize America over party
We are all Americans. We are not all Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, Greens, or Constitutionalists.
Focus on America. Participate in your party of persuasion. Advocate for sound platforms. Influence party leaders to make America better by enhancing the party. Promote America’s interests over and above personal agendas.
Keep America relevant. Some nations have coups every decade, change governments every other year, shame leaders into suicide, or allow dictators to rule with an iron fist. America?
We yell at each other on television.
Resolve to remain engaged in the process
Stay engaged, regardless of the outcome of the election. Decide to support the new administration, be it President McCain or President Obama.
Now I’m preaching to myself. Criticize constructively.
Selfless persistence confers upon America the strength to bravely construct a bright future. Campaigning for 2012 is just around the corner. Americans crave a dignified America.
A word to the candidates
Dear Senators Biden, McCain, Obama, and Governor Palin,
Thank you for your desire to make America great again. We the people commit to civility in our words and actions. We will support our new leadership come January.
Humbly, we ask you to lead us by your own examples. We want leaders we can respect, trust, and follow.
We make you this promise: lead us with dignity, and we will follow.
4 Comments
Its an interesting idea and one that in some meaningful form should be built into the campaign and our behavior especially in comments sections!
Very slightly off topic but I’ve always thought that there should be some kind of rating system for political commercials too.
Perhaps moderated by factcheck.org or a similar central non partisan agency. The candidates would be required to get their approval before airing or sharing with news organizations.
“This commercial has been certified to be a fair representation by factcheck.org
or even
“This commercial has been found to contain misrepresentation and lies”
or
(Apologies to Harrison Ford.)
“You can listen to this ****, but you can’t believe it!”
Even commercials for products have to have some standard of fact checking applied, why not political campaigns.
Jack, NICE post. Presidential campaigns do have an “out of control” feel to them. I like your rating system idea. Anything that would bring some legitimacy would help. I especially hate the slinging regarding facts: “you said such and such.” “I didn’t say that, I said this” and so on. Yikes.
Responsibility! Your artical brings back the idea of every one has the responsibility to act sensibly and responsibly. Great article! Keep them coming!
Dianne, thanks for the agreement and the love.