The person or the platform?

The people running for president have been vilified, polarizing as a result, the American people.

Of the three choices — no disrespect is intended for the many who will appear on ballots; three are suggested because we have been ‘mediated’ to three: one is “crooked”; one, “a fascist egomaniac”; and another, “out there!” We seem unable to have conversations about this election because the people, as painted for us by media, boil the blood and,instead of listening to understand, we hear to respond. Arms crossed, we head to our individual corners for a needed time out.

It is hard to separate the people from the goal of governing a republic. One avenue of arms out, instead of arms crossed might be to consider the platforms put forth by the collective parties. Think back to early summer when convocations were held, and their collective masses put forth the goals and ideas central to their hopes and desires.

I suggest the electorate return to those principles, and remind themselves that a republic functions best when people, not a person are in charge. Choose the platform. Naïve? Maybe. But do remember the Constitution by which we are governed, honed its foundation from lessons put forth by Athenians, Romans, Parliamentarians, and the quills of Jefferson and Madison — all of whom focused on the many, not the one!

This story was originally published September 29, 2016 at 10:07 AM with the headline "The person or the platform?."