Getting Out the Vote

 The current state of the human world is unsettled and filled with uncertainty. The general state of apprehension and doubt that persists in many parts of the human world has complex and. multifaceted origins. In spite of the fact that science has clearly shown that all human beings are part of a vast and diverse human family, the idea of race and racial purity persists as it has for thousands of years of human civilization.

In addition, science has clearly established that human activity is currently endangering the delicate ecological balances that sustain life on planet earth. Yet, that behavior continues unabated even though the resulting consequences could be catastrophic.

In my thinking, these aspects of life persist on account of the leadership in many parts of the world that responds primarily to the needs of those that hold the reigns of wealth and power and disregards the issues that negatively impact the human condition.

I have enumerated the qualities of leadership that I believe are required to help enact and implement the kind of change that is required to fashion a better and more sustainable world. Foremost among these is the obvious and necessary intellectual capacity to recognize the nature of complex issues and the concomitant ability to encourage open discourse with representatives of all viewpoints with the overall aim of finding the best possible solutions to these issues.


In addition, I believe that following represent vitally important qualities:

• · The recognition that all humans are members of the same human family (Homo sapiens). With the broad recognition of this fundamental reality, essential and meaningful changes in the human condition would necessarily follow
• · A clear and unmitigated acceptance of the important role of science and scientific investigation in the modern human world. This is especially true regarding the reality of climate change that is a direct product of collective human activity. This challenge requires a clear and unwavering commitment to support whatever changes that are required to abate this process.
• · An acceptance and commitment to the role that immigrants have played and continue to play in the nation.
• · An appreciation of the contributions made by experts from the many vital professions that help make this world a better place – teachers, scientists, medical professionals, financial experts, architects, engineers, artists, journalists, technology experts etc.
• · An understanding that all individuals that represent the very fabric of society have equal status in both law and custom.
• · A strong adherent to the need for the Commons – those aspects of living that contribute to a valued and sustainable existence – descent housing, quality education, childcare, adequate nutrition, a vibrant natural environment etc.
• · An ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with all representatives of the communities that constitute everyday life i.e. business and industry, education, medicine, technology, communications, labor, science, etc.

The necessary qualifications listed above are vitally important if the overall goal is to ensure a more productive and sustainable future for the coming generations. As a people, we possess the one capability that can make such a future possible – the ability to use a powerful voice in the choice of those who will lead us in the right direction by exercising our unequivocal right to vote.