The 2008 elections are looming closer and closer.  I felt the need to write this letter to the editor to possibly spark attention to the character of those seeking our votes.

Things have changed dramatically since our country was founded.  The founding fathers knew that anyone holding public office, whether local, state, or federal government needed to have good moral character.  That could be judged only by how the individual acted in private life, and if he believed and followed Godly principles.  They knew that private life was and is a window to ones true character. 

In the last century, we have seen an increase in the number of public officials disgracing the office they were elected to.  This all seemed to have escalated in the late 1800’s.  At that time a man named Robert G. Ingersoll brought into public his idea of secular humanism.  He was known as the “Great Agnostic”.  He pushed for the removal of Godly principles from the selection of those running for public office. We all, I hope, realize that this did not follow along just one political party.  The corruption filtered into the Democratic, Republican and third party lines.

The ones chosen in the ballot box were not examined on how their character was in their private lives, but they were chosen on how they flim-flamed the people in public.  The way we see people in public is usually not their true self.  If a candidate running for office would be embarrassed by the revealing of their private life, then maybe we should think again on whom we cast our vote for. 

What did have an influence on the character of the ones involved in public life before the “secular humanism” idea came into view?

Way back in 1824, a man named Daniel Webster (who later produced the dictionary), ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.  At that time 100% of the people registered to vote cast their ballot (wouldn’t that be great!).  Out of 5,000 eligible voters, Daniel Webster received 4,990 votes, something unheard of today.  The voters then, kept themselves informed and voted for honest, God fearing men.

During the Revolution of  1776, many preachers joined the military to help protect civil and religious rights.  We need to remember that our rights are God given and politically protected.

Our government will be, and is, a reflection of those elected to office and a reflection on those who put them there.  A religious scholar, Charles Finney, in the 1800’s stated “God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics.”

We need to put Godly, moral, and people with good character in public office so we have statesmen and not politicians working for us. 

Whether you believe or not, —Remember, that our right to vote freely is provided by God and those who are fighting for freedom at home and abroad.—God is watching.


James R. Stone
112 N Vernon Ave
Kissimmee, Fl 34741