As a mother of three, this election has weighed heavily on my mind. I must admit, I feel a deep sense of anxiety—not just for our current situation, but for what it means for the generations to come. It’s easy to think of these issues as separate, but we can’t ignore that the character of our leaders reflects on our values as individuals.
I strive to be a positive role model for my children. I want to guide them in a way that doesn’t force me to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Unfortunately, this election makes that distinction difficult. As a mom, here’s what I find impossible to reconcile:
- How can I teach my kids to respect people who are different and not to belittle those with disabilities, yet cast my vote for someone who does just that? I simply can’t.
- How do I instill compassion and the importance of aiding others while supporting a candidate who lacks these values? I can’t.
- Can I advocate for respectful treatment of women, while supporting a man who demeans them with derogatory language? I can’t fathom how to justify that to my son.
- How do I encourage my kids to avoid bullying, yet cast my vote for a person who embodies that behavior? It’s impossible for me.
- Can I promote honesty and integrity while endorsing someone who brags about dishonesty in business? I can’t.
- How can I tell my children to seek solutions to problems, while voting for someone who offers no concrete plans? I can’t.
As John Oliver aptly put it, “When we say we want a politician who speaks their mind, we should clarify that we don’t mean a total monster.”
Words hold power, and once spoken, they can’t be taken back. I’ve always emphasized to my children the importance of being mindful of their words—while some may forgive, others will never forget.
Many supporters of the candidate in question are drawn to him because he represents a departure from traditional politicians. However, being different doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. As Stephen Blackwood, who served under various administrations, recently noted, “It’s disheartening. He’s exceptionally uninformed about the presidency and shows no desire to learn.”
This candidate lacks experience in governance and has yet to provide substantial information on his policies. If your child needed a critical medical procedure, would you trust a doctor who has never been to medical school? If not, why would you trust someone equally unqualified with your country’s leadership?
Reflecting on what this election signifies for my children, I am reminded of the necessity of teaching them to live fearlessly. The campaign revolves around creating fear—painting a picture filled with poverty and violence—without offering real solutions, instead encouraging division against certain groups.
Did you know that your chance of being killed by a terrorist in the U.S. is one in 3.6 billion? (And just to clarify, not all Muslims are terrorists.) Yet, the fear-mongering we witness is unacceptable. We cannot encourage our children to be brave and to take risks while supporting a candidate who thrives on fear and distrust.
This issue transcends politics; it strikes at the core of our identities as individuals and parents. We owe it to our children to lead by example and to strive for better.
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In summary, the implications of our voting choices are profound, not only for us but for the future of our children. We must strive to demonstrate the values we wish to see in them.