Regardless of whether you vote Democrat or Republican, I'm sure we can all agree that every person expecting to be a leader of a country should role model "good" behavior for kids and teens (and the rest of us!). Sadly, this does not seem to be a priority for our candidates. The list of what they are NOT teaching is extensive...
- Take turns: None of the candidates is able to wait his turn without interrupting or talking over the other one.
- Listen instead of 'waiting to talk': Are any of the candidates even attempting to listen to what an opponent is saying. Not a chance! Opinions are set, and no-one is listening respectfully to anyone else.
- Be truthful, even when it is uncomfortable: Lies, half-truths and omissions are rampant during the debates. The message: It is more important to make yourself look good, than to tell the truth.
- If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything: Negative ads, harsh words and accusations are far more promiment than any time spent actually addressing the issues.
- Work together for the good of all: This concept is completely lost on the candidates. Despite weak protestations to the contrary, the good of the people is a very far second to a win for the political party; and we would be very hard-pressed to tell our kids that the republicans and democrats work together for any reason at all.
- STOP when someone tells you to: There has not been one instance of a candidate actually paying attention to the 2-minute clock as it counts down. Perhaps they all need to sit in the 'time-out' chair for two minutes?
- Answer questions clearly and the first time: I don't think that I have heard one question answered clearly, succinctly, and the very first time it was asked.
I have the urge to take away their TV time, computer, phones and ground them for the whole week. But I'm not sure that it would help!
