Liahona, Gold Pendant How to Raise a Family Benefits of Parent Meaning of Parables |
by Christine A. McClung 
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. – Thomas Jefferson When asked the name of the Vice President of the United States, many young adults are unable to answer. In a nation whose freedom is the envy of the world, have we as parents done our part in teaching our children responsible citizenship? Every wise leader knows that you cannot make good decisions based on bad data, or on inadequate information. So the first step in wise voting is to become well informed. Start with the facts. In an emotional campaign season, this may not be easy to do. There is one fact about sources that has borne out over the years: Unbiased journalism no longer exists in this nation. Let’s face it. Television media is slanted to the left, or liberal, and talk radio leans to the right, or conservative. Actually, this is a good thing. It is a hallmark of a free, open society. Using a personal example, if we are considering surgery, we always get a second opinion, don’t we? Some may tell you that they are not biased, but they are kidding you. And with our very national security at stake, this election is no joking matter. Is television a reliable source of news? To be honest, there is a great deal of news covered on radio that is left out of television media. As a source of information, radio can be helpful because it is inter-active. You can call in and ask questions. You can also learn from others who call in questions. If you rely exclusively on television media, you will be at a disadvantage, because you will not be getting a complete picture. So it boils down to this question: Who can you trust? Character does still matter, after all is said and done. In fact, your ability to discern the character, or core values, of the candidate is the only way you will know if you can believe what he is saying. Quite simply, good character means that the person’s deeds during the years of his adult life match his words during the campaign season. It’s called integrity. Does the End Justify the Means? Procrustes was a legendary robber of ancient Greece noted for stretching or cutting off the legs of his victims to adapt them to the length of his bed. ~Webster Dictionary Some people believe that the end justifies the means. In other words, you may think that your way is better than your opponent’s way. Since you believe your goal is better, it doesn’t matter how you achieve that goal, as long as you get your way. Lying or stealing or forcing others to do your will is OK. Even abusing the legal system— like voting illegally, or twisting the Constitution— is OK. As long as you achieve your goal. Do You Trust What These People Say? 1. A thief steals money and then lies about his deed. He never feels sorry for his victim, because his goal is more important than the way he achieves it. His only sorrow is if he gets caught. 2. A tyrant allows only his own viewpoint. He suppresses any speech that opposes his view, or even kills people who disagree with him. No matter how much he smiles, whatever he says will be suspect. 3. A news anchorman discovered that certain documents were forged. Nevertheless, he claimed he was justified in using those documents, because they agreed with his viewpoint. 4. Another news anchorman said that when you get caught, then you have to apologize. Character-based Election Criteria The government which robs Peter to pay Paul, can always count on the support of Paul. ~George Bernard Shaw Since all information is not equally reliable, you need to investigate sources from both sides. But before you wade into the sea of data, decide first on the criteria you will look for in the leader you choose. Ask yourself, which candidate is the best role model for my children? You can and should expect the same degree of integrity from your public servant that you want in your children. Here are some suggestions: 1. UNSELFISHNESS. Does the candidate put the safety and security of the nation above his personal ambitions, even at the risk of losing the election? 2. PAST RECORD. What were the candidate’s actions during the past 10 years? 20 years? 30 years? 3. UNIFIED. Does the candidate: • Engage in irrelevant personal attacks? • Foster class envy in economic issues? • Favor one group in society over others? • Take responsibility for his own actions, or always blame someone else? • Stick to the issues? • Treat everyone with respect, regardless of political viewpoint? • Honor the sacrifices of American troops? • Show respect to allies who have supported our country? • Hold American sovereignty inviolate? • Match actions and words? 4. MORAL CLARITY Does the candidate: • Favor freedom of speech, even if he disagrees with what is being said? • Apply the same standard of conduct to himself and his party as to everyone else? • Base his actions on long term principle or short term public opinion? • Remain steadfast in his commitment to his beliefs, even if politically unpopular? • Always tell the truth, regardless of the consequences? 
We are blessed to live in the most free nation on earth. With that freedom comes responsibility. If we don’t train our children in moral values when they are young, their minds will be like a vacuum. When they get older and leave home, anybody can fill that vacuum with X, Y, or Z ideology. — Do you want your child’s character to default to the lowest common moral denominator? — Or do you want to pro-actively prepare him or her to be a responsible citizen? If we teach our children principles of truth and integrity, then they can govern themselves. Then their children can also enjoy the same freedom we do. That’s what good character is all about. |
