Political Debates: an 'outing' of ethics and integrity

I've come to learn some things about politics throughout this semi-turbulent journey. One thing I now know for certain, is just how easy it is for a trusting, slightly naive person to become embittered and suspicious. In the beginning, I used to wonder why people didn't instantly jump on board with the campaign. The process of 'vetting' candidates seemed a bit repetitious and time-consuming. Lots of different people asking the same questions, usually with more of a suspicious spirit than general interest or curiosity. I know and trust my husband, though, confident in his intelligence and solid thinking. I knew that getting face to face with him and hearing the heart behind his words would inspire the same trust from others, regardless of their former skepticism. I was right about that, but the blatant doubt and disbelief that preceded the 'vetting' was a shock to me then. Now, though, I'm beginning to get it.


There is a term, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." Hmm. Along with my new found experience with the ease of the political dupe, I've also learned that I can absolutely 'take the heat.' A fact that even most of my closest friends were unsure of. Especially during a time when I'd be more emotional than usual (pregnancy hormones just do that to me), and busier than normal (food allergies and four home schoolers), it was a fair concern. Also knowing how fiercely in love I am with the candidate led to the uncertainty of how potential smear campaigns would affect my tender heart. Well, the alarm of fear can be set to 'snooze,' because we've had our first tastes of nasty, slimy mud-slinging and have come through disgusted but strong.


From the beginning, the Jesse Young for Congress team has always maintained that this will be a positive campaign. We will not degrade ourselves by resorting to dirty tactics, name-calling, or in any way behaving in a manner that would compromise the integrity of the office to which Jesse is seeking. The incumbent will be honored for his years of service, and the same-party challenger will be edified for his ethical campaigning efforts. That was our pledge. I am so proud to be married to a man who boldly champions such noble values among many others. Non-negotiable integrity is an understated description of his character. This is the one we need representing the 6th District in Congress.


Last night the Be Informed-Washington to Washington group hosted a debate between the candidates for the 6th and 9th District House of Representatives. The incumbents and all challengers were invited to participate. Jesse was obviously in attendance, along with the Republican candidates and even a Green Party candidate. (Both incumbents failed to show.) The debate was moderated by a jovial and efficient Mike Seigel, and was generally very respectful and informative. Questions posed by the politically diverse audience members were thoughtful and inquisitive. Candidates' responses were confident and mostly polite. It wasn't until the closing statements that some unfortunate true colors were shown. It was so disappointing to witness a candidate spew blatant and ugly negativity, then promote himself as one with integrity and moral values. UGH! I am becoming accustomed to some of the irritating 'game-playing' that occasionally accompanies politics, but this was my first personal experience with all-out ugliness directed at the public regarding an opposing candidate. The candidate being bashed, by the way, was my Jesse. All this following recent news of district wide bad-mouthing by the same opposing candidate. I hadn't wanted to believe it was true, but the filthy diatribe of his closing statements only confirmed the report. Not my favorite moment in life so far. This guy ought to be ashamed for the embarrassing show he made out of himself.

I am so glad that we chose not to include our children on this particular campaign outing. One of my goals as a parent is to surround the kids with opportunities for influence by positive role models. This would have been disastrous to that goal, except as perhaps an example of how not to behave! Every day, I purposefully provide lessons to my 'sweet ones' about things like honesty, edification, honor, hard work, leadership, and loyalty. (To the kids, though, it rings more like: don't tell lies, talk nice about each other, do your best, don't be lazy, etc...) Of course, being the ages of 3, 4, 5, and 7 all trying to live together and work as a team, object lesson material is easy to come by! Kids bicker and whine. They'd rather play than work and find it natural to lie when confronted. These are childish behaviors. Correcting these tendencies and training them in good manners is challenging enough without giving them the extra 'ammo' of a negative example.


Thankfully, our strength flows from a much more predictable and steady Source. Admittedly, it was a challenge for me to hold my tongue last night, and was only accomplished very deliberately. Also, I'm not married to a game-playing weakling. Jess was the picture of grace under fire. Any feelings of betrayal or disappointment were deprioritized under determination and intense resolve. Had I been an unbiased observer of last night's debate, the closing statements alone would have secured my vote for Jesse Young. I am not interested in electing bitter, negative politicians to represent my family and throughout the evening, Jesse's integrity was evident, obviously making him the -best- choice. I am no longer naive, but choose to place my trust where it's worthy and reliable. Rejecting doubt and skepticism, but firm in the decision to fairly 'vett' for myself, I now consider myself a more confident voter. Funny, how the things that were said in slander, actually resulted in a more abundant blessing. Our marriage is strong, Jesse's campaign team is invigorated, and momentum continues to quickly grow. The voters of the 6th District are truly rallying in support. Our volunteers agree with the pledge to run a positive campaign and the response to it is phenomenal. Jesse Young is leading in the polls, and more endorsements are coming his way. Hmm. Don't think that was the opponent's intention.