As a servant of the people, character is as
important as positions taken on various issues. Violation of good character traits sets a
precedence that can be as destructive as bad laws. We cannot separate personal
lifestyle from policy positions in determining leadership qualities.No one is
faultless. However, there are qualities necessary for leadership that requires a history
of no gross violations. Personal history must be free of a pattern of violations, such as
drunkenness, or in most cases a single violation of good character, such as adultery.
A leader is a role model, how he leads his personal life gives license to others. If a
leader commits adultery, he gives license to others to say, "If he can do it, than it
must be fine for me too." If a leader demonstrates faithfulness to his spouse, then
others are encouraged to say, "That is the way I want to be." Do we want
our kids to emulate George Washington, or Bill Clinton?
The marriage commitment is essential. How can you trust someone to be a leader, if he
cannot be trusted to keep his marriage vows? Adultery, children out of wedlock, aborted
children, and the like are all acts that cannot be tolerated in leadership. Although these
acts are forgivable, they have consequences that cannot be escaped.
Illicit drug use and drunkenness demonstrate that a leader may not be available when a
time of crisis suddenly arrives. Leaders must be available! Additionally, a leader cannot
be a creditable advocate of laws when he violates those very same laws, or other laws that
he chooses.
If a leader claims to be a part of a particular faith or denomination, yet violates the
tenants of that faith, how can he be trusted to be a man of faith? He is no different from
someone who uses an alleged faith for political gain.
Failings of character can also lead to bad decisions by leaders. A threat of exposure,
or an effort to cover-up an act could lead to a high price paid by others. If
character is the first issue, then cover-up is a non-issue.
Apathy concerning these character issues has led to the moral crisis in our nation.
However, these standards are lived by many and they are worthy of leadership. Our nation
will be better off with leaders whose lifestyle is worth emulating. These standards may
require the removal of many from office. If so, our nation would be well served by their
replacement.
As I entered the race for US House in 1997, I put in writing a list of "Absolute
Commitments." If I violate any of those commitments, past, present, or future, I will
leave office. Those commitments include remaining faithful to my wife and living my faith.
If I cannot live my commitments, then I cannot be trusted. We should expect the same of
anyone in leadership.
