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I’m hoping that for this upcoming election voters will be less swayed by party and policy and give more consideration to something that, in my opinion, is far more important — character. After all, how can a leader who lacks good character be trusted to enact good policies, or do what is in the best interest of his or her party (or country, for that matter)?
I, for one, will be following the Wizard of Oz Rule of voting by choosing the candidate who I believe has the heart necessary to empathize with those suffering under the weight of injustice and economic hardship, who has the brain necessary to understand — and find solutions to — the many complex problems facing this country both foreign and domestic, and who has the courage to do the right thing even when the right thing might not be politically popular.
I think it’s a good rule to follow, and an easy one for the classic movie fan to remember.
Although I think it would be an even better rule, particularly for this year’s presidential election, if someone had also asked the Wizard for honesty, humility, civility, shame, and a moral compass.
Douglas McCall
Bangor
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