You would think they would learn. It's always disappointing when political candidates or those advocating for a political issue resort to attacking opponents rather than sticking to one's own platform. It's a sign of weakness. Keeping one's composure and calmly explaining the rationale for one's own platform can win the confidence of American people.
This is extremely difficult to do, especially when recommending change, because most people tend to choose the status quo rather than risk change, even if that change could have positive results.
The voucher debate in Utah is a good example of what can happen when sides resort to an attack tactic. More often than not in a situation such as this, the status quo wins.
There are some lessons to be learned from the Utah voucher debate:
Lesson #1: Rather than making vouchers the focus, it may have been more constructive to focus on the education of diverse learners, parental rights, teacher shortage, improving public schools, saving money, and/or some other issue.
Lesson #2: Rather than having a "for vs against" stance, a "for vs for" stance has a greater chance of a win-win. In other words, all sides of an issue present a solution platform to improve the education of diverse learners. This way, status quo is not an option. People will have to make a decision and not just vote against something because the proposed change is still fuzzy in their minds. Voting against something without having to offer an alternative solution is an easy out and doesn't take much thought.
Lesson #3: Sticking to one's own platform on how to address the issue explaining the rationale rather than attacking the other platform shows respect not only for the opposite side, but also for the American people.
Lesson #4: Trusting the American people to make a wise decision is a respectful manner that appeals to their mind as well as their heart.
These are lessons that all political candidates and those advocating for political issues might want to consider learning if we as American people are to be well served. We as the American people have a responsibility to continue to encourage that these lessons be learned through our example of words and actions.
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With Iowa and New Hampshire soon selecting their preferred presidential candidates, and with the current political turmoil in my city of Ogden, UT, (there is a debate over the validity of our recent mayoral election) this posting is particularly important. Utah and the nation are in a time of great tumult and change. That means, a time of great opportunity. Tides are turning and we can harness that power. We must, in fact. I encourage all to read up on each political candidate and their views. We need to support those who support our causes! I also recommend contacting our legislators and senators. Participation in political action groups and other organizations makes this easy to do if you are intersted in flooding your leaders with faxes, emails, and group protests and pleas, but a personal contact is the best and it is not difficult to do. Each legislator and senator has contact information listed online. Look at your state and community government web pages to begin.
In closing, as we head into the new year, watch for Human Rights and Peace Protests and Advocacy at the Rose Parade this year. The advocates, proactive voices for our causes, are mobilizing. Shall we be counted among them?
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