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The President of the United States, engaging in immoral activity and then lying about it to the public, covering up illegal real-estate deals and other questionable activities. The Vice-President of the United States, taking illegal campaign money from a hostile foreign government. A United States Senator, ignoring his pledge to retire after a certain number of years and running for re-election. A presidential candidate, pandering to a vocal minority in order to appear moderate . . . . Our nation has become one controlled by politicians, not statesmen. Where have the statesmen gone? Our country was founded by devout statesmen, but has been overrun by politicians. I direct everyone's attention to two definitions from Webster's Dictionary: Statesman Statesman \States"man\, n.; pl. {Statesmen}. 1. A man versed in public affairs and in the principles and art of government; especially, one eminent for political abilities . . . a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs . . . . Politician . . . One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public office, or to the success of a political party; -- used in a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics as managed by parties (see {Politics}, 2); a schemer; an intriguer; as, a mere politician . . . . The majority of our national, state, and local leaders are, by definition, politicians. They are only concerned about their own advancement in public office, without regard for what is best for those they govern. Our leaders turn their backs on what is true, what is right, and what is just. They pander to vocal minorities, using polls to determine what their opinions, policies, and positions ought to be. I make my best effort to listen to the positions of candidates in an election to see which of them believe in the things I believe in. Once I identify the candidate that supports my views, I vote for him or her. If elected, that person then has my support in upholding the views he or she expressed during the campaign. Unfortunately, it seems that once elected, it is more important to make sure one stays elected rather than support his or her convictions, especially if his or her convictions are contrary to the "poll du jour." I believe that it is a sign of a shallow and morally weak person who has his or her own interests at stake who can change their position on important national issues at every whim. It is the easy way. Men and women of true courage and convictions, men and women who possess a depth of personality and a strong moral foundation do not take the easy way. They stand as a testament to the truth, regardless its unpopularity. These are true statesmen; these are the ones who will prevail in the end. Let us not be fooled by the weak-minded and shallow. Let us support those who are true leaders and who possess true strength -- statesmen. A United States Senator, standing firm under fire on his position on abortion, the Speaker of the House, resigning his position because he recognized he was unfit for it because of moral indiscretion . . . . |