Aloha and welcome to the start of another day,
One of the presidents we honored with the Presidents Day holiday this past weekend had some advice to give that is ESPECIALLY appropriate, given the circumstances we face in our nation and in political discourse. And that bit of advice comes from our first President, George Washington.
In his farewell speech, one of the points President Washington made was a warning about political parties. He saw in them the potential to become divisive and counterproductive to the best interests of America’s peoples, and all you have to do is look at the state of affairs in Washington to see that there was some truth to his statement.
Political parties do have beneficial aspects for helping improve life for Americans: they help in organizing and informing people about issues and candidates, and ensuring important issues are dealt with, discussed and debated. But I see both political parties losing focus on those important missions, and as a result, good ideas that could truly help people are dying on the vine because of partisan gridlock that cares more about scoring political points than finding solutions. That’s why we as voters need to concentrate on electing leaders like Linda Lingle who will put “people first” ahead of any blind party loyalty.
Watch this short BIPARTISANSHIP: It’s in Hawaii’s Best Interest spot on YouTube (http://youtu.be/k4EwkIeeYK0 ), and I think you’ll agree that Gov. Lingle’s proven record of success in working with people of different views, and yes political parties, is what we need in Washington.
I hope you enjoyed your three-day weekend, here’s to the start of a new and productive week ahead!
Best,
Bob Lee (Major General ret.)
Campaign Manager, Linda Lingle Senate Committee
