Post by richardkelsey on Nov 5, 2008 13:28:37 GMT -5
I hate to get all preachy -- but that you to all the candidates who ran -- from all parties for all positions.
When candidates stand for a contested election, the winner is democracy.
Candidates who choose to subject themselves to ridicule, attack, harsh questioning, and many times, defeat, do so to try to improve communities and to give others a choice.
Many local candidates do it all. They run their websites, they make their advertising, they stuff the envelopes, walk the streets, make the calls, attend debates, take positions, and -- btw -- they do all the other things that we do -- work, run households, be parents, care-givers, coaches, mentors, volunteers.
Some of these candidates not only raise their own money, they often spend their own money in these local elections.
Many do this knowing full well that they face an almost certain defeat. However, in communities where one party rule is the standard, the election season -- sadly referred to by some as the silly season -- is when the only real democracy and debate breaks out. Sometimes that debate is not as high-browed as we all wish -- but at least some concerned citizen has put his or her whole life on hold to take a stand and to call into question incumbents or raise new ideas. In fact, often good ideas from losing candidates are taken in some form and incorporated by winners. That is done both to serve, and to serve to eliminate issues for future elections. Why ever it happens, it is good for the electorate.
So that you all candidates. Thank you incumbents -- thank you challengers. Today -- the people are winners because you stood for them. No matter the results of any campaign, you can be proud that you were willing to stand a post on the front line of the world's greatest democracy, playing a role in her continued growth and success.
Be proud of yourselves -- and for the winners, be humble in your service.
When candidates stand for a contested election, the winner is democracy.
Candidates who choose to subject themselves to ridicule, attack, harsh questioning, and many times, defeat, do so to try to improve communities and to give others a choice.
Many local candidates do it all. They run their websites, they make their advertising, they stuff the envelopes, walk the streets, make the calls, attend debates, take positions, and -- btw -- they do all the other things that we do -- work, run households, be parents, care-givers, coaches, mentors, volunteers.
Some of these candidates not only raise their own money, they often spend their own money in these local elections.
Many do this knowing full well that they face an almost certain defeat. However, in communities where one party rule is the standard, the election season -- sadly referred to by some as the silly season -- is when the only real democracy and debate breaks out. Sometimes that debate is not as high-browed as we all wish -- but at least some concerned citizen has put his or her whole life on hold to take a stand and to call into question incumbents or raise new ideas. In fact, often good ideas from losing candidates are taken in some form and incorporated by winners. That is done both to serve, and to serve to eliminate issues for future elections. Why ever it happens, it is good for the electorate.
So that you all candidates. Thank you incumbents -- thank you challengers. Today -- the people are winners because you stood for them. No matter the results of any campaign, you can be proud that you were willing to stand a post on the front line of the world's greatest democracy, playing a role in her continued growth and success.
Be proud of yourselves -- and for the winners, be humble in your service.
