« The Land Investor | Main | Financial Turmoil Creates Investment Opportunity »
Character
By John | March 12, 2008
That word needs a new introduction into our culture, and into analyses of the daily news.
As we condemn the behavior of Elliot Spitzer, as unbecoming of the governor of
New York, let’s not forget that he was elected by the people of that state. He was elected after serving eight years as Attorney General, giving voters plenty of
opportunity to observe his character. And those that followed his career know that he provided plenty of evidence of his character in the way he conducted himself in office.
As we wring our hands over the precarious state of our national economy, let’s not lose sight of how we got here. Mortgage defaults are the consequence of people not meeting their contractual obligations, obligations they knew, or should have known, in most cases, that they could not meet.
Lenders and borrowers alike entered into contracts based upon their short-term interests, without regard to their long-term interests, or those who would be relying on them to meet their obligations. People of good character don’t behave like that.
In a presidential election year, as we contemplate how (or whether) to cast our votes, let’s not be drawn into the debate as to who will give us the most - who will enhance our entitlements, steer earmarks our way, and fill us with pork. Let’s try to rise above the rancor and heat of the election battles. Let’s ask ourselves who would best represent our country and its values and lead us in the right direction.
Let’s not overlook character.
Topics: Government Excesses |