OPINION: A Political Opinion

This is an opinion piece written by Al(bert) Roznicki (Open Post) — I can’t remember a campaign when both candidates were so unacceptable for the office of president. Have we substituted substance, experience, ability and character for verbal dominance? (Also known as BS) Recognize that we have nominated, for reasons that go well beyond my logic, the two least desirable and least capable candidates.

Hillary maintains a lead in most all polls; consequently Trump continues to bash her presenting himself as a very angry, negative individual. Unfortunately, Hillary has followed suit and is dumping on the Donald. Are they doing this because we enjoy the negative attacks and the candidate are playing to our needs or is it because the social and political character of our candidates has changed so drastically that “bashing” is considered the new political norm?

When a candidate gets their party’s nomination for the presidency, experience, ability and character is escalated beyond reality. They spin every aspect of a campaign and in many cases exaggerate the truth to win the votes of those who rely on the mainstream media verbiage rather than taking the time to fact check partisan comments. Partisan politics unconditionally support their nominated candidates, regardless of their qualifications and/or ridiculous statements. While loyalty is important, unconditional partisan politics must be placed behind what is moral, accurate and correct for America. Democrat, Republican or Independent, America comes first, not party affiliations. We have to learn to address the issues and not partisan politics. We have to be constructive regarding the country’s issues instead of attacking a candidate’s personality.

Whatever the reasons that we unconditionally support our parties, and I’m sure we all can come up with many reasons for and against such support, we collectively must start concentrating on the issues currently affecting us, regardless of party affiliations. Can it be done? Are we capable of putting party politics behind us and start working together toward what is correct for ALL Americans? The answer I believe is yes, IF we return to the principles, which this country was founded. When we collectively combine the positives of all parties, the benefits increase exponentially, but when we concentrate on each other’s negatives, we eliminate those positives and reduce the benefits to zero. Dividing reduces, while addition increases, so should Democrats and Republicans get together and make a positive impact or should we remain divided and continue to enjoy minimal or no social, economic and political benefits?

As a result, I think it is time to write an “Experience” Amendment to the Constitution? The principle that anyone can become president is no longer appropriate, especially in today’s global relationships. Today, world conditions require that our presidential candidates possess specific and expanded experience qualifications, rather than the simple qualifications currently listed in our constitution. The House should generate specific experience qualifications, the Senate should approve and/or modify, as appropriate, and the president should execute the law.