Friday, October 29, 2010

Calling All Honest Politicians

I'd like to propose a new standard of practice for all campaigning politicians.  There are no truth-in-advertising laws when it comes to campaign ads (at least none that can be enforced).  So, I'd like to ask any politician who wishes to stump on honesty to publicly submit their ads for a thorough fact check, by a non-partisan organization, prior to airing.  Also, I ask that they denounce any ads by special interest groups which put forth false or misleading claims, even if these ads are in their favor.  I know that this seems like a tall order, but if America is to live up to the ideals set forth by our founding fathers, there must be transparency from our leaders from the very moment they show interest in leading.  There must be a new standard for accountability in politics.  And it must be a willing act on the part of the politician.  We do, after all, have a right to free speech in this country.  Call your favorite (or even your least favorite) politician and challenge them to prove their honesty and their worthiness as a leader.  Ask them to show, out-right, that their claims and aspirations are founded in rational thought and not just a lust for power. If one does it, their opponents will have to fall in line or face scrutiny and suspicion by their constituents.  If two do it, people in neighboring municipalities will start to wonder why their representative won't submit themselves to the same measure.  If enough people demand it, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a ubiquitous standard by which any perspective leader must pass muster in order to be taken seriously.

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