Wednesday, Boston, Massachusetts

No matter who wins any of the elections being tested this year, I think it’s important to keep in mind that in modern democracy the willingness to run for office deserves the admiration of every citizen. While it is certainly true that some run for office seeking fame and power, I do believe the majority of people who run for office, whether local or national step into the spotlight because they have a commitment to public service.

Frequently voters, abetted by the media, take a jaundiced view of the motives of people running for office. But cynicism is easy, and the privilege of those who sit by idly and judge. Taking the risk to expose yourself to public and media scrutiny takes gumption. And again, while I am not naive and acknowledge that there are people who run for office with the aim of seeking power, I choose not to believe that this is the majority. My reasons are rooted in my personal relationship with several people who have run for local and statewide office. I have known them long enough and well enough that I can attest that their motives are as they have said: a passion to serve.

I realize that it is the media’s job to investigate and challenge the positions and motivations of every candidate, especially those running for President. But journalism’s responsibility for this task is not my burden. And it is not the responsibility of any citizen. Our job is to educate ourselves about the candidates and vote for those whose positions accord with our own. But in a democracy is equally important that we make the choice to respect the will of the people when their vote goes against my personal point of view. But this attitude seems to be out of vogue. These days it’s in fashion to support the candidate reflecting my own beliefs, while at the same time demonizing the opponent is un-American, unethical and even dangerous. But the real danger is this attitude.

If you are a voter who supports John McCain, Bartack Obama or Hillary Clinton - good for you! But if the election in November turns out to elect someone other than your first choice, it is important…as a matter of fact…it’s embedded in the ideology of our great country that we put aside our differences and step up to support the will of the majority. Unless we can move past our adolescent approach to our political foes, we will remain immobilized and, quite frankly a target of well-deserved ridicule by other democracies.