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Blue Springs, MO —
For more than 20 years, I worked for the election board. I’d arrive early in the morning, maybe 5 a.m., and return home after 8 p.m.
I served as a judge, clerk and director. I learned different jobs, responsibilities and election rules.
Years ago, we’d actually count the votes. Then, changes occurred and technology improved.
Depending on the state where we were living at the time, the voting rules varied. No signs, no campaigner, no party representative could stand within so many feet of the voting booth and site.
Each state was unique in voting privileges and state statutes.
How is it – today – campaigning candidates can spew gossip about their opponents on prime-time television? I’ve already grown weary of the dirt.
According to Wikipedia.org, “Negative campaigning, also known … as ‘mudslinging,’ is trying to win an advantage by referring to negative aspects of an opponent or of a policy rather than emphasizing one’s own positive attributes or preferred policies. In the broadest sense, the term covers any rhetoric in which one refers to one’s opponent in an ad hominem manner.
“Negative campaigning can be found in most marketplaces where ideas are contested. In U.S. politics, ‘mudslinging’ has been called ‘as American as Mississippi mud.’ Some research suggests negative campaigning is the norm in all political venues, mitigated only by the dynamics of a particular contest.
“There are a number of techniques used in negative campaigning. Among the most effective is running advertisements attacking an opponent’s personality, record, or opinion.”
Enough of this election sludge, muck and dirt – haven’t we heard enough? I know I’ve heard enough.
My mom always said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
I would love to hear a campaign advertisement about what a new candidate can do for me, my family and my business. I think I already know the history of an incumbent.
I will conclude with some thoughts about honesty. Here we go and thanks for listening.
• In the Old Testament, Proverbs 16:32 reads: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
• Thomas Jefferson: “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
• William Shakespeare: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” Also, “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.”
• Spencer Johnson, doctor and children’s book author: “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
And finally, an ancient Chinese proverb says, “Slander cannot destroy an honest man – when the flood recedes the rock is there.”
Readers, have a good week.
For more than 20 years, I worked for the election board. I’d arrive early in the morning, maybe 5 a.m., and return home after 8 p.m.
I served as a judge, clerk and director. I learned different jobs, responsibilities and election rules.
Years ago, we’d actually count the votes. Then, changes occurred and technology improved.
Depending on the state where we were living at the time, the voting rules varied. No signs, no campaigner, no party representative could stand within so many feet of the voting booth and site.
Each state was unique in voting privileges and state statutes.
How is it – today – campaigning candidates can spew gossip about their opponents on prime-time television? I’ve already grown weary of the dirt.
According to Wikipedia.org, “Negative campaigning, also known … as ‘mudslinging,’ is trying to win an advantage by referring to negative aspects of an opponent or of a policy rather than emphasizing one’s own positive attributes or preferred policies. In the broadest sense, the term covers any rhetoric in which one refers to one’s opponent in an ad hominem manner.
“Negative campaigning can be found in most marketplaces where ideas are contested. In U.S. politics, ‘mudslinging’ has been called ‘as American as Mississippi mud.’ Some research suggests negative campaigning is the norm in all political venues, mitigated only by the dynamics of a particular contest.
“There are a number of techniques used in negative campaigning. Among the most effective is running advertisements attacking an opponent’s personality, record, or opinion.”
Enough of this election sludge, muck and dirt – haven’t we heard enough? I know I’ve heard enough.
My mom always said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
I would love to hear a campaign advertisement about what a new candidate can do for me, my family and my business. I think I already know the history of an incumbent.
I will conclude with some thoughts about honesty. Here we go and thanks for listening.
• In the Old Testament, Proverbs 16:32 reads: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
• Thomas Jefferson: “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
• William Shakespeare: “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” Also, “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.”
• Spencer Johnson, doctor and children’s book author: “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
And finally, an ancient Chinese proverb says, “Slander cannot destroy an honest man – when the flood recedes the rock is there.”
Readers, have a good week.
