The Ballot Box...

"I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know."

This statement was part of a joke sent to me by my brother-in-law. It was a joke about politicians...and this is a revised oath. Unfortunately in today's world, the oath shown above is more applicable than the actual, "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

I'm not lumping all politicians into one category, but I must say I am disappointed in how few possess the integrity we should expect from those who lead us. I've been told that those who would be the best public servants will not run because they do not want to subject themselves and more importantly their families to "the spotlight". I can't say as I blame them. Should you choose to run, the media will hound you and people will dig...deep into your life. Unless you've been perfect, and we all know there's only been one of those, they'll find what you're hiding.

Perhaps you have led a stellar life but your children stumbled on their path to adulthood...that's fair game for the media. Did you ever break any one's heart...even in elementary school? These memories may well be paraded in print and in front of the camera in an effort to tarnish your image.

I hate that campaigns have become a challenge to see which candidate can dig up the most dirt...we are diminished because of this. Our country is crippled by the lack of strong leadership...those willing to make a stand instead of just telling us what we want to hear. But, I cannot blame it all on the candidates...we, the voters, are at fault too. We listen to vitriol they spew, we allow it to color our judgment. Instead of researching where each candidate stands on the issues that are important to us, we are concerned with their love life as a teenager and what they may or may not have done during their college years.

There needs to be new standard...for campaigns and for voters. While I would never deny anyone the right to vote, would it be such a bad idea if we were required to truly understand the process before being turned loose in the ballot box?

...stepping off my soap box, now.