Character is a prerequisite quality for long-term success as a politician. It can mean the difference between making decisions that are self-serving and selfish and those that benefit the general population and tend to strengthen our democracy.
A number of politicians were elected based on their promises to uphold conservative values. Yet when the rubber met the road, some voted against certifying elections in favor of supporting what turns out to be baseless claims of voter fraud pushed by losing candidate Donald Trump.
Unfortunately and frighteningly, this is part of a broader trend towards (forgive me for saying it out loud) fascism. This action leads to what might be questioned as commitment to democratic principles and a respect for core American values such as free speech and individual liberty.
A number of state governments (like Florida and Texas) are tending toward telling constituents what they can and cannot read, can and cannot say, that they can and cannot benefit from life-saving medical procedures, can and cannot choose their lifestyle, or how they dress, or how they treat others less fortunate.
Trump’s presidency was defined by his willingness to flout democratic norms to advance his personal agenda. And even now he constantly undermines the rule of law, disregards the Constitution and calls into question his commitment to a political system built on principles of fairness and justice. His attempts at building power through lies, manipulation and appeals to base instincts further threatens our democracy and weakens our standing among other nations.
To me, the importance of character in politics is rooted in an individual’s commitment to upholding democratic values. Politicians must be willing to put the long-term needs of their constituents first, even if it means making unpopular decisions that may not serve their own interests.
This might require voting against one-party policies and refusing to cooperate with harmful orders and initiatives — if they are deemed to be contrary to the public good. It also means adhering to ethical standards, even when faced with pressure from interest groups or party leaders. Political backbone has been sorely lacking in the past few years, making it more important than ever for politicians and voters alike to remember why character matters.
The fact is that character is critical to being an effective politician. Those who hold public office must remember that their responsibility is not only to enact policy but also to serve as role models for democracy and to uphold core American standards of free speech, individual liberty and respect for the rule of law.
They must be willing to put the needs of their constituents first and adhere to ethical standards no matter how much pressure they might face. Without strong character, there is little hope for preserving our system of government. It is up to those who enter public office to ensure that our democracy remains intact by showing every day a commitment to its core values.
As we look toward primary elections and then general elections in the fall, it is essential that we consider the values and principles that guide the decision-making of those we choose to represent us. The importance of having good character cannot be overstated, as anything short of that can make or break our way of life.
In today’s world, politicians are often given a pass on what we had long thought was a requirement to demonstrate high standards of moral integrity and ethical behavior. A good example of this is Trump, whose controversial rhetoric has been widely criticized for inciting hatred and division.
In addition to his many failures in business, his not being as good as his word, Trump’s character flaws should have a significant impact on his political career and the public perception of his politics in general. His actions are clearly inappropriate for our country and our values of democracy, equality and justice.
Trump’s character flaws clearly reflect the problems associated with fascism — a political ideology that seeks to gain power through violence and repression — which has become increasingly visible in our politics over the past few years.
For us to maintain our values of democracy, equality and justice, it is essential that we turn to politicians who demonstrate strong ethical behavior and uphold a set of moral principles that are consistent with these values. Politicians who do not have good character can be easily manipulated into resorting to oppressive measures to gain power, money, or to influence public opinion.
Politicians with good character are likely to act more fairly and responsibly in office as they will be less likely to make decisions based on personal interest or political expediency. They are also more likely to listen to the needs of their constituents and work toward creating policies which address those needs effectively. Electing leaders with a strong moral code is essential for inspiring public trust and confidence in the political system.
It is clear that having good character is of utmost importance for an effective political career. Politicians must strive to embody the highest standards of morality and ethical behavior, and it is only through having good character that we can hope to create a society where people from all backgrounds feel safe, secure and respected — regardless of their beliefs or opinions.
The example set by Donald Trump serves as a reminder that we must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure that they possess the necessary qualities needed to effectively lead us into the future.
Another way of saying this is that it is our responsibility to require the same ethical standards of those we elect as we do of our children.
Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. The firm provides enterprise-level cloud-software for communicating, specifying, approving, procuring, producing, reporting and activities necessary to obtaining direct mail, packaging, promo, marketing and all other printing. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at[email protected].
