I am following the Republican candidate race and have just heard the results of the voting in South Carolina yesterday. Newt Gingrich can now, with this resounding victory behind him, respond to the latest questions about his second marriage and the statements made by his ex-wife that he desired to have an 'open marriage', statements which may colour the public's view of his moral centre.
At the same time, the media is reporting on the lack of clarity surrounding Mitt Romney's finances and investments and whether or not he will divulge details of his recent tax return. His credibility has also been undermined.
In both cases, it is not the particular issue that irks me, it is the apparent lack of transparency of both these candidates to send a message which rings true. Why is it so hard to tell the truth? Why do we need to practice denial so often? Where is our moral courage? Why are we so reluctant to face the music? I can't think of one single person who hasn't made some mistake in his/her life that hasn't been regretted. I think we all have a capacity for forgiveness.
Imagine, if we could regain such confidence in our politicians knowing that no game is being played and that transparency is really the order of the day and not just a word to be thrown out to the electorate for the purposes of sounding lofty and holier than thou. Would this not be the beginning of a more savoury environment to govern our country.
Call me naive. Yes, maybe. But surely we have to start somewhere and at some point to get back to 'real' and 'true'. Accepting that it's difficult being a good human being would be a beginning. Admitting to our frailties and working to strengthen them is surely a sign of courage which we can all recognize. As a bonus, what a terrific example it would be to show to the generation who currently is dependent on us but who ultimately will follow us in government and upon whom we in later years will be dependent. If that is not incentive enough to show the way, I don't know what is.
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