Leaders are respected for their class, integrity, ethics, and performance

In recent times, the level and tone of the words, actions and behaviors that come from some of our leaders have reached new lows. This must be kept in mind and remembered, as we observe, select and support the leaders of the future.

Our leaders must possess a set of qualities that reflect American values ​​before they are considered for higher office. The values ​​and qualities that we deserve and should demand of our candidates include:

1. A well-known history of honesty and integrity

2. The willingness to respect the highest standards of ethical behavior.

3. People who are courteous and respectful of others.

4. People who can be trusted because their words and behaviors are consistent

5. People who always act in the best interest of Our Country

6. Firm people who admit mistakes and take responsibility for them.

7. Stable and reliable people

8. People who have a history of positive performance with results that matter and are meaningful.

9. People who defend the principles and values ​​of our country

10. People who have great respect for the rule of law

11. People who are direct and effective communicators

12. People who make logical decisions after considering facts, history, research, and reliable advice.

All candidates for higher office must be judged on these qualities before they are included in a list of potential candidates for political office. I am confident that we can find people who meet these requirements and still uphold a wide range of beliefs and goals that will give voters of all political parties the ability to choose candidates with whom they can align and support.

When we ignore these important standards of behavior and performance and select candidates simply because of our agreement with their stated objectives, we may end up with highly flawed candidates who:

1. They place little value on truth and facts

2. Put themselves first

3. Act like bullies and dictators

4. make bad decisions and choices

5. Harm our country internally and around the world

6. Push the boundaries of decency with your words and your demeanor.

7. They consider themselves above the law.

8. Rely on alternate facts, disorientation, confusion, and lies.

9. Surrounding yourself with people of questionable character

All college students, regardless of their political leanings (liberal, moderate, or conservative), must recognize the need for honest, ethical, trustworthy, and high-principled candidates. As the newest generation of voters, you have the power and responsibility to raise the quality and reliability of candidates who will compete for higher office in our country by creating a personal vetting process that fully exposes past behavior and performance. of each candidate in each of the areas. twelve qualities described above.

If each of us can become more objective in the early stages of political consideration, we can begin to hold candidates up to the standards that should be expected of those who wish to lead our country forward. However, if we blindly support any candidate who uses the words we want to hear, we are doomed to suffer the serious consequences of selfish leadership.