Our national character is lacking
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Editor,
One of the leaked U.S. diplomatic cables from the Wikileaks open information group has clear recordings on a report of a meeting in 2009 with Muammar Qadhafi in which Senator John McCain promised to help the Libyan dictator obtain military hardware. This was all in the name of providing Libya with their need for security. This meeting was attended by other prominent members of Congress including Senators Lindsey Graham, Susan Collins and Joe Lieberman.
Regardless of the emotions and dearly held opinions stimulated by the names "Wikileaks," "prominent Senators," and "leaked cables," the point is this: it makes no difference who, what or where. Our nation has been and still is saddled with leadership which has become so addicted to military might, the employment bonanza through the manufacture of all manner of military hardware, and the misguided thought that we must keep this industry and therefore the military threats to the rest of the world alive and well, that we have used and continue to use military might as our main bargaining chip even with despots and dictators of every stripe.
This is not about the differences in philosophies between Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Socialists, Conservatives, Liberals, Tea Parties and the myriad of splinter groups. This is about a mindset. This is about ethics and the philosophy of morals. This is about national character.
So, how is national character established? In my way of thinking, it starts with each of us developing and defending our own set of morals and character right within our own families and communities. And it builds to the actions we take when we enter the voting booth, putting aside long held political party affiliations and looking at individuals on the ballot from the standpoint of whether they pass the test we hold deep down in our heart of hearts and know to be right, be true, be honest, and be of high character.
In my view, even after the vote, we cannot depend upon our elected leaders to hold to the true values of our great nation when they are buffeted about by very special, greedy and wealthy interests. We The People are to answer the call for change within our political structure. And this call for proper leadership involves: attitudes, morals, ethics, and the power of reason over the power of military might and big money interests.
Bob McClellan
Polson
