Survival Of The Fittest - Politics is a dirty game. Does it wash off?

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. As the summer heats up, so does the election cycle, the media, and the presidential campaigns. Look at all the changes in the past month. We witnessed a disastrous debate for Joe Biden, an assassination attempt for former President Donald Trump, and President Biden dropping out of the race. Depending on your age, many may remember when the candidates had honest and productive debates. It wasn't about throwing mud in each other's faces; they concentrated on the issues. I do believe those were times when politics had more integrity. We are in the new and so-called improved political arena. Not so much. In my last few posts, I shifted from politics to discuss disappointment and acceptance. It was a three-part series. I guess that came at the right time. Believe it or not, my post views decreased, but my emails increased, requesting I discuss more political issues. For example, this week, I received 52 emails with topic requests. A whopping 48 of them were related to politics.

However, all my posts are interrelated when we refer to living our lives in the larger scheme of things. Living is a multi-faceted journey that involves many complex issues. We think about many issues, and we do not react to others as they occur. However, they are all interconnected. They all affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. The only thing that makes one worse than the other is the amount of passion we feel for it. In this post, I will attempt to address a few issues from emails I have received.

It seems that many people have the same thoughts and questions. Everyone is tired of dirty politics. They want candidates to concentrate on the issues, mainly what they plan to do in the next four years. Next week, we will know who the Democratic candidate will be. Until now, we have all been speculating; although it appears obvious, it will be Kamala Harris. I believe that most know what each candidate has done in the past, and the past is the past. The real question is: what will you do in the future to fix this mess our country is in? Unfortunately, I have no answer to that question. That said, I decided to make tonight's post about survival of the fittest. Surviving dirty politics, and if you do, does the stink wear off?

DIRTY POLITICS:

It was only a few weeks ago when there was an assassination attempt at former president Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania following a disastrous display by Joe Biden in the first presidential debate. These events changed the future of this election cycle. We all need to ask ourselves what caused this. We live in different times than we did 40 years ago. Mental illness is more of a prevalent problem in today's society. People who have mental health issues do not see or interpret things the same way others do. With all the hateful comments, and yes, they come from both sides of the aisle towards each candidate, these comments can be grossly misinterpreted. Comparing someone to Hitler, or stating they are a threat to democracy, and going as far as saying someone needs to be taken out, can cause someone mentally unstable to take matters into their own hands. Was that the case?

My point is that we need to get back to respectful politics. We should have constructive politics and campaigning without mudslinging and sticking to the issues. What happened to Donald Trump can happen to any politician at any level of government. Although the events that day led to tragic results for some spectators, Donald Trump was fortunate to be alive. Only a slight turn of his head at the right time saved his life. The security issues and whether they are adequately provided will be examined for some time. However, this was a learning moment for all our leaders. Our leaders and potential leaders MUST set an example. These are intelligent men and women who are sinking to a level that is not acceptable. When you throw dirt, dirt will return to you in many ways.

Maybe it is time to have some rules of engagement during a campaign. Perhaps not allowing this type of reporting makes candidates stick to the issues and stop the name-calling. I found some interviews with Secret Service and former Secret Service members interesting, as well as how the protection level differs. Should it be? During a campaign, I believe it makes sense for each nominated candidate to have the same level of security. We are talking about the President of the United States and a potential future president.

The news media is no better. They take sides and report all these statements to millions of people. The news media has an equal, if not greater, responsibility to keep this rhetoric out of the news. They should not be part of the part. Instead, they should be part of the solution.

Today, it is a media game—a news cycle game. The news media controls the narrative because they control what sound clips they play and what video segments they show. The media is in control, and frankly, they are the ones who control the elections and possibly who gets elected. Scary! So, let's take a look at dirty politics for a moment.

Dirty politics refers to the unethical and dishonest tactics politicians and political parties employ to gain an advantage over their opponents. These tactics often involve deception, manipulation, and even illegal activities to achieve a desired outcome in an election or policy decision. While political campaigns are usually fierce and competitive, resorting to dirty politics can damage democracy and public trust in the political system.

One common form of dirty politics is mudslinging, where politicians or their supporters spread false or misleading information about their opponents to discredit them. This can range from spreading rumors about a candidate's personal life to engaging in targeted attacks on their character or integrity. Mudslinging is often used to distract voters from the real issues and create a negative image of the opponent. There are times when essential findings should come out. However, most of the time, it's mostly B.S., highly exaggerated by the news media, and often inaccurate.

Another dirty tactic is voter suppression, which involves attempting to disenfranchise certain groups of voters to sway the election in favor of a particular candidate or party. This can include spreading misinformation about polling locations, intimidating voters, or implementing voter ID laws that disproportionately affect minority groups. Voter suppression undermines the democratic process by denying individuals their right to participate in free and fair elections. How many remember the days when we voted on ONE DAY? Everyone had to have proper ID, and the polls closed at 8 pm. Usually, by the eleven o'clock news on election day, it was apparent who the next President would be. This was all before modern technology. What is wrong with the picture of today as compared to the past?

In addition to mudslinging and voter suppression, dirty politics can also involve campaign finance violations, where candidates or political parties accept illegal contributions or engage in money laundering to finance their campaigns. This can lead to corruption and undue influence from wealthy donors, undermining the principle of equal representation and accountability in government.

Ultimately, dirty politics erodes public trust in the political system and undermines the legitimacy of elected officials. Politicians prioritizing winning at any cost over upholding ethical standards and transparency can have far-reaching implications for democracy and governing. To combat dirty politics, voters must be vigilant, demand accountability from their elected officials, and support candidates who demonstrate integrity and a commitment to ethical behavior. We can only strive to create a political system representing the people's will by holding politicians accountable for their actions.

ALL THE OTHER THINGS:

Is there more to it? Of course. There always is. How can it be possible that every candidate has the best record in history? They all play games with numbers to make themselves look good. Are these lies? Are they deliberately trying to deceive us? Not really, at least not in a harmful way. They leave out some information to make other details look better. Let's face it. They are salespeople. They are selling themselves to the American people.

Then we have the inter-party betrayals: those who support a candidate until the going gets rough and jump ship. What happened to loyalty, integrity, and other colorful adjectives that define and strengthen a united party? Let me tell you. It is about what the party wants, NOT what the American people want. It's about the actors, donors, and big business—those with a sizeable financial investment in a political party or a candidate. Therefore, we must ask ourselves. Who are the candidates trying to impress? Who are they running for? Is it really for the American people?

Political parties are about power. Power brings about change, and the party with the power can bring about their change. Their change may not always be in the best interest of the American people. This is where the tricky part comes into play. How do we choose?

HOW DO WE CHOOSE?:

There are various methods to accomplish this. However, it takes some work on our part. We cannot wholly trust the news media or the political environment because everyone has their own agenda. Therefore, there are specific steps that can help us weed through the forest to get to the clearing.

Selecting the right political candidate is a crucial decision that can impact a nation's future. With various candidates competing for positions at different levels of government, it can be overwhelming for voters to determine which candidate best aligns with their values and priorities. This is what I believe is the best approach.

Define Your Values and Priorities:

Before evaluating candidates, it is essential to clarify your values and priorities. Consider your most important issues: healthcare, education, the economy, social justice, or foreign policy. Reflect on the values guiding your beliefs and the society you envision for the future.

Research the Candidates:

Once you have identified your values and priorities, research the candidates running for office. Explore their backgrounds, experience, policies, and track record. Look into their voting history, public statements, and previous positions on critical issues. Pay attention to how they have addressed challenges and their ability to collaborate and listen to diverse perspectives.

Evaluate Their Integrity and Character:

Remember, no one is perfect. A candidate's integrity and character are essential qualities to consider. Assess whether the candidate demonstrates honesty, transparency, and consistency in their actions and statements. Evaluate their ethical standards and whether they uphold moral values that align with yours.

Analyze Their Leadership Skills:

Leadership skills are vital for a political candidate to represent their constituents and navigate complex challenges effectively. Consider whether the candidate possesses empathy, decisiveness, communication skills, and the ability to inspire and unite people. Assess their problem-solving capabilities and their vision for the future.

Consider Their Stance on Key Issues:

Remember that we can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all the time. Therefore, examine where the candidate stands on critical issues that matter to you. Evaluate their policy proposals, legislative priorities, and how they plan to address society's pressing challenges. Consider whether their solutions are realistic, well-informed, and inclusive of diverse perspectives.

Listen to the Community and Experts:

There are far more people who are better educated than we are. Engage with the community and seek input from experts, advocacy groups, and trusted sources of information. Attend candidate forums, debates, and town hall meetings to hear directly from the candidates and ask them questions. Consider endorsements from respected individuals or organizations that share your values.

Stay Informed and Engaged:

Stay informed about the latest developments in the political landscape and remain engaged in the electoral process. Follow news sources, fact-check information, and critically analyze campaign materials. Participate in voter education programs and discussions to deepen your understanding of the candidates and their platforms. We must be mindful about where we get our information from. Unbiased, which can be challenging to find, are always the best sources.

IN CLOSING:

The survival of the fittest means more than someone who can lift heavier weights, hit a golf ball further, or stay up later. The fittest individual is the person with a solid mental understanding and common sense, a leader, someone people will respect and, at times, others may fear, a person who will stand firm through all adversity, send a clear and decisive message, and most importantly, someone who can listen.

We are not the only free nation in the world, but we are the largest, and other free nations will look to us for guidance. We are responsible for setting the proper example for the rest of the world and ourselves. A leader must and will have to make decisions that may not be popular but are in the best interest of our nation and what our citizens want. Remembering that government is here for the people and by the people. Our interests and safety MUST be paramount and come first.

Surviving any storm depends on how prepared you are. This defines survival of the fittest—the best-prepared one. However, in one sense, politics is like a war, only without bloodshed. Outwitting your opponent, convincing others you are better and you can and will do a better job. Stumbling, mumbling, and not displaying an attitude people can feel confident with won't cut it in today's political arena, or for that matter, any arena. 2024 is a crucial election year. The choice we make is vital, and the choice is ours. Make it wisely.

Remember that the right candidate is not about gender, skin color, age, or having a nice smile. It comes down to one basic concept. WILL THEY DO THE JOB?

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Please feel free to leave comments, or if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, you can email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. Thank you.

Be safe, stay well, and focus on being happy. And remember to always: