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Every few years, seemingly corresponding to the election of a Democratic President – but not ALL Democrats – the question arises about the integrity or character of elected leadership. When the news of President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky broke, I recall the scandal nearly became the determining factor in his re-election in 1996. Nearly! I remember the debate over the importance or relevance of the “character” of the sitting President. There were actually those among us who believed the false notion that one’s personal character had nothing to do with his ability to perform his duty. REALLY??? If the President takes his oath seriously, We-the-People have nothing to worry about. However, if, as now, we have a President who must have had his fingers crossed behind his back when he took his oath, well, just look around. The evidence of questionable character is more than evident.

Another issue that floats to the surface is the class separation as referenced by party. R stands for Rich Republican … really? Who had a fundraiser event in Hollywood for $35,800 per plate? Nope! Not the Republicans … but the pseudo royalty of the entertainment industry. To be nice, I won’t name names! Funny how that never gets mentioned, eh? Hollywood celebrities supporters Obama for President

What makes a good leader? Ha! Just for the sake of argument, I googled that question. In most of the top websites listed, there was little or no requirement for any kind of moral integrity. I like the first listing on the site referenced here: Accountability! Our elected officials are accountable to US – to WE THE PEOPLE! WE must hold them to the promises they make or FIRE THEM! For must too long, WE THE PEOPLE have watched as these power-driven men and women say anything to obtain our vote, then do as they please to line their own pockets.

GOP congresswoman photographed in compromising situation with wealthy donor

Mike Bennett, Florida State Senator, Caught Looking At Risque Images During Floor Debate On Abortion Bill

Anthony Weiner Photos: Congressman Sent X-Rated Pictures Of Himself

Then, of course, there is Arnold Schwarzenegger and his mistress etc. Schwarzenegger’s love child: How did he keep the secret so long?

It saddens me to say that WE THE PEOPLE elected these officials, and many more like them – on BOTH sides of the aisle. Corruption and compromise are accepted as rules of the game. Sexual misbehavior (i.e. infidelity, impropriety, and illegal use of gov’t funds and equipment for sexual reasons) is rampant in Washington, but also in state capitols. OR maybe their poor behavior makes us feel better about our own? WE THE PEOPLE bought the lies that morality is relative and the ends justify the means, and now we are paying the price. Morality is who we are! Do you really believe that someone who is able to lie and cheat those closest to him/her will not do the same to his or her constituency?

WRONG!

It is long past time WE THE PEOPLE demand more! That we expect Better! Higher quality both from our elected officials AND from ourselves! Morality does NOT have to rely on religious background. I don’t know about you, but I’m damn tired of being “less than the best” … of being way down on the list in education (compared to other industrialized nations), of being way down on the list of exporters of QUALITY goods at a reasonable price, of being way up on crime, violence, and suicide. BUT … yes, there’s a BUT … and I’ll close with this:

What are you personally willing to sacrifice to help get America to a healthy, productive, compassionate place? Your moral choices? Your vote? Your Time to volunteer somewhere? Your Money where our mouth is? Your belief in Higher taxes? Your neighbors’ joblessness? Your downsizing to a smaller home? Your purchase of fewer ‘luxury’ items? Fewer benefits at work? Americans, at least this generation, have never felt the pinch of genuine sacrifice. Oh sure we may throw a couple dollars into an offering plate, or donate a few charitable dollars now and then, but that isn’t real sacrifice. Can we go without that McDonald’s meal? or the latest plasma TV? or the newest model mobile device? Even if it means a responsible balanced national budget? Time will tell. Time and some better choices and increased involvement will tell.