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Leadership
qualifications should not be based upon what candidates
say they will do, but rather on what they have actually
done. Their character is proven through action not words.
As Canadians look for leaders of parties, companies and
even organizations perhaps it would be wise to give more
weight to their "track records" than listen
the promises of leadership hopefuls. "Talk is cheap"
is an old adage with new significance in Canadian politics
today. In a time of unprecedented ethical scandals, many
Canadian politicians have said all the right things, but
failed to live up to their words.
Why is it so easy to say one thing while doing something
else entirely? Is it to try and appease activists? Is
it influence of financial gain? Is it the determination
to win at all costs? Is it the lack of character and integrity?
What
is most disheartening about all of this is that Canadians,
in general, do not demand honesty and integrity in their
elected officials. They buy the talk.
Consider the appalling financial scandal just uncovered
in Canada. "Who knew what?" seems to be the
most important question touted by politicians and the
media. What about probing the more important issue of
why these fraudulent acts were committed in the first
place? And why did those who were not directly involved,
but knew what was going on, not blow the whistle? Why
are Canadians not demanding answers from those responsible
- the ones who committed the crime ( and yes I am presupposing
crime)?
Even
in many sexual abuse scandals, the focus is on the organization
rather than the perpetrators. Why? The character of a
person is seen in his/her actions not the words. And do
not believe that what happens in a persons private life
will not affect what happens in their public life. Character
is rooted in moral foundation and if the foundation is
lacking it affects all of ones behaviors. Eventually the
character will be seen publicly.
It should be no surprise that our society has difficulty
distinguishing between right and wrong when calling any
behavior wrong is labeled intolerant and bigoted. Right
and wrong and truth have become so distorted that even
schools teach children that one should never tell someone
their behavior is wrong. That would surely harm the student's
self-esteem. With no standard for truth, how can we call
anything wrong?
Even
our justice system struggles with a similar dilemma in
trying to determine which crimes should be punished, (oops!
I mean "rehabilitated"). A system that punishes
parents for disciplining children but allows child sexual
predators a home sentence or worse, a suspended sentence,
indicates just how badly we have lost our way.
In this time of elections (for candidates, party leadership
and soon the next Canadian government) is it not imperative
that we scrutinize the track records of all individuals
running for a position of leadership? Should we not evaluate
their character rather than their words? Find out what
have they accomplished? What standards/policies have they
stood for? For incumbent MPs running again, how did they
vote on key issues? If there is no track record to be
found - be it in politics, the community, or in business
- then it will be impossible to evaluate that person's
character. Why would you elect such a person?
Canadians, do not be easily swayed by empty promises.
Ask hard and demanding questions. Review the records.
Check out the character. Somebody knows these people and
who they really are. But do not allow people who lack
integrity, honesty and morals to lead you and this nation.
Otherwise, you, your children and grandchildren will pay
the consequences for generations to come.
If
you are led by someone you do not know - you may be dismayed
when you arrive.
Brian
Rushfeldt
CFAC
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