Lies and deception during campaigning or ENDORSING candidates come and go but reputations endure

[Samantha]

It is an enigma to me to understand why people and organizations who chronically smear a political candidate expect the American people to forgive and forget once the contest is resolved. One's reputation is the most valuable asset he or she possesses. That is especially true in Washington, D.C., the political capital of the world.

With the intensity of the primaries heating up to a level like a volcano threatening to erupt any moment, spewing a catastrophic amount of lava on creatures in its path, one wonders when the damage is finally assessed who will never again regain the status of respect he or she once held and who, through a refusal to participate in lies, dirty tricks and smears emerges unscathed.

That is an important point because one of these types will be taking the Oath of Office January 21, 2017, during which he or she will swear

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

—Presidential oath of office, Article II, Section 1, United States Constitution

It would be a truly wonderful experience to be able to think the new resident of the White House speaks the truth when taking that oath, but the question remains will that person have a reputation we can trust and believe in.

[Thinkingabout]

1. Lies and deception are important, it happens a lot during campaigns,

in fact it would be nice to see candidates also speaking the truth during the campaign, perhaps providing campaign promises which are realistic.

[highprincipleswork]

2. No promises are even being made. Policies to go for are being presented.

Bernie has never promised he can deliver any of it. Only that if, and perhaps that'a a big if judging from some of the naysayers around here, if we can stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Believe it or not. Be cynical or not. Choose to not have faith, if you want. Choose not to even try. But Bernie is not promising zip. he promises to shoot for the things that are right and that the American people want. What is so f'ing bad about that?

[Thinkingabout]

4. Good for him, now we can move on to what can be accomplished.

I had not thought of what Sanders was saying in this manner, now I will judge his speeches under these terms.

[Samantha]

3. Inasmuch as many of the issues Sanders is supporting are up and running in most developed countries

it is certainly possible for Americans to experience these same benefits if only we stand up and make it happen. He certainly has cited a way to pay for the programs he supports; what remains is to convert the naysayers. Of course, that won't be easy, but it won't be possible at all if we don't try!

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[highprincipleswork]

5. It's long past time that "American Exceptionalism" actually benefited the average American!!!

Glad to be included on your post.

As you say, it can all be accomplished, has been done elsewhere and even taken as commonplace elsewhere.

If we stand together, for what we want, all this and more can be accomplished.

If we sit back, allowing ourselves to become consumers of false ideas, it will all seem so hopeless.

[Samantha]

6. And I am glad you joined the discussion

I have been wondering a lot lately would voters could do to demand the Republicans (and some Third-Wayers) support the implementation of the proposed legislations necessary to enact these programs. The only answer I can come up with is to publicly say we will join together to target those who stand in the way of progress.

Omaha Steve has done such a wonderful job raising money for Bernie Sanders; perhaps we could do the same to support challengers who take them in when they are up for reelection. Make a list and check it twice! Clean house.

If the wealthy donors can't buy the elections through politicians they support, that is a great start.

Any ideas?

Sam