Actions speak louder than words

I've heard a lot of people chronically complain that you can't believe a word that a candidate says.  When I was growing up, there was a saying — "Actions speak louder than words."  So perhaps we should start by looking at the candidates actions in order to form a clear opinion. 

Now I am not talking about superficial actions like where they live or how they dress.  The past 2 elections should have taught us by now, not to judge a book by its cover.  No I am talking about what they do, as in HOW they answer questions. Do they talk around the question leaving you confused about what they just said and do they give you an answer that in the end gives a clear impression about what America would be under their leadership?

Let's face it. All the candidates have websites where you can find out their position on the issues.  There is no reason except laziness not to know what a candidate represents.  But I am finding most people are tuned out to candidate's words.  Most people believe that candidates will say anything to get elected and in the end nothing will change.

Everyone wants the same thing — for America to be a better place.  We just have different ways of approaching these goals.  What we all agree is that we need a leader who will be both strong and yet sensitive to the will of the people; unlike some leaders who blindly believe their way is the only way. 

All of the candidates are old enough and have been in public life long enough to give us a credible glimpse into what kind of leader and president they would be.  There are an abundance of issues we can judge candidates on based on their actions.  Some make promises they don't keep.  Some change their position based on the political trend.  Some aren't afraid to step up and admit sometimes they made mistakes.   Some aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe despite of the political ramifications.  Some offer realistic solutions and others offer solutions politically spun to appear different when they are merely rebundled versions of past administrations. 

Believe it or not there are candidates out there on both sides who actually answer the questions.  There are candidates on both sides willing to fight for the rights of the American People.  There are candidates on both sides willing to step up and lead the American people.  And then sadly there are candidates who just want to herd the American public in the direction that they think is right despite serious warnings otherwise. There are candidates out there whose motives COULD be seen as suspect based on their actions. 

When I was a child, I was taught to listen to that small voice inside.  It has never led me down the wrong path.  Isn't this what we teach our children even to this day?  To trust deep down that they know the right thing to do and believe.   So right now all we have to do is pay attention to that voice inside that tells us to look past the candidate's pretty words and into their daily deeds.  Are they deeply committed by their actions to representing everyone in this country or do their actions show a consistent habit of cronyism and favoritism?  Do they impose one set of standards on their constituents but live their life by another standard?  If we pay attention to what they do to get our vote, we will know what to expect once they win our vote.  If they answer questions honestly, take responsibilities for their actions, and stand up for what the American people deserve and believe in, despite the political ramifications, perhaps they are worthy of being our next leader.  

Christ gave us new commandments to Love God and Love our Neighbor as ourselves.  Perhaps as people of faith that is a good ruler to use in this next election since in these verses Love is a verb not a noun.  Love denotes action.  I find it interesting that at the GOP debate last night, not one candidate was willing to step up and say that they literally believed the Bible.  Why is that?  They call themselves men of faith.  However, Jesus taught us that Faith was also an action. 

It should be noted that earlier in the year, the Democratic candidates had also been asked the same question about their literal belief in the Bible. Contrary to the GOP hemming and hawing around the issue, their answers were to the point. I find this very ironic that it is the Democrats who are not afraid to stand steady upon their faith versus the wobbling of the GOP candidates — the so called representatives of people of faith. 

Here again we find ourselves at a crossroads that will determine the course of history.  Do we look at what these candidates say — or what they do?  Personally, I am looking at what they are doing out there in the real world for everyday Americans like me.  I am looking for someone to answer the question without the political flip flopping, dodging or justification of their actions.  I am looking for a candidate whose actions represent my vision for the future. 

Fortunately for America there are a few good candidates out there whose actions and words match their faith.