As a parent of three, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the significance of this election. Honestly, I feel a sense of fear—not just regarding our country’s future, but how our choices will affect generations to come. It’s easy to think of these issues as separate, but we must recognize that the character of our leaders shapes our nation, and our votes reflect who we are.
I strive to be a positive example for my children. I don’t want to be the kind of parent who says, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Yet, the current political landscape makes it difficult to reconcile those ideals. Here’s what I can’t do as a mom:
- How can I teach my children to embrace diversity and respect others, while supporting a candidate who mocks those who are different? I can’t.
- Can I instill the values of kindness and altruism, yet cast my vote for someone who doesn’t embody those principles? I can’t.
- Is it possible to advocate for respectful treatment of women while supporting a man who disparages them publicly? I can’t.
- How do I encourage my kids to be leaders against bullying when I would be backing someone who engages in such behavior? I can’t.
- Can I show my children the importance of integrity while supporting a candidate who boasts about unethical business practices? I can’t.
- Can I guide my kids to problem-solving, while voting for someone who lacks a coherent plan? I can’t.
As John Oliver aptly put it, “When we say we want a politician to be honest, we need to make it clear that honesty shouldn’t come with monstrous behavior.”
I teach my children that words have consequences; once spoken, they cannot be taken back. It’s vital to ensure our words reflect our true values. Many supporters of candidates like Thomas Hart seem drawn to the allure of being “different,” tired of conventional politicians. However, being different doesn’t always mean better.
A respected political analyst recently highlighted the alarming lack of understanding Hart has regarding the responsibilities of leadership. He has no real experience in governance, and his platforms lack substantive detail. Would you trust a doctor who has never attended medical school to perform a critical surgery on your child? If not, why would you do that with your country?
When I think about the implications of this election for my children, it underscores the importance of teaching them to live boldly and without fear. Hart’s campaign thrives on creating an atmosphere of anxiety, painting a picture of despair both domestically and internationally, while scapegoating entire communities.
Did you know that the odds of dying from a terrorist attack in the U.S. are about one in 3.6 billion? (And just to clarify, not all Muslims are terrorists.) The likelihood of being attacked by a shark is one in 3.7 million, yet I won’t stop my kids from swimming in the ocean. This culture of fear is unacceptable. We cannot encourage our children to face the world without fear if we support a candidate who thrives on spreading it.
This election represents more than just politics; it strikes at the core of our identities as parents and individuals. We owe it to our children to choose a path that exemplifies the values we want them to embrace.
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In summary, as we approach this election, it’s essential to remember that our votes have a profound impact on our children’s future. By embodying the values we wish to instill, we can guide them toward a better world.