As the Oxford English Dictionary defines it, respect is “a strong feeling of approval of somebody/something because of their good qualities or achievements.”
It is unfortunate that, in this day and age, the level of respect toward our peers and others seems to be, at best, thin on the ground. Indeed, in some cases, respect flows in a singular direction.
In the political realm of late, respect has followed Elvis and departed the structure. There was a time when those competing for any given elected office were at least civil toward one another. Lately it is apparent, even here in Evanston, that certain political aspirants have decided attacking the opponent at a personal level is a more effective method of garnering votes. Gone is the notion of comparing one’s achievements to those of one’s opponent as an accurate criterion for voters to mull.
As much as I would like to lay the origin of such behavior at the feet of a recent former national head of state, all he did was perfect and enhance a method of quashing, or at least attempting to, those who had the gall to oppose him. Campaigning on a platform of negativity and hatred toward all opponents is not novel but the absolute lack of respect for the achievements of the other party has degraded the process across the board. It is shameful enough to do this at a national level, but at a local level it becomes more than political wrangling. The danger is more acute when it pits neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend. The danger is not just to the individuals but to the community as a whole. We have seen the result of such behavior on the steps of the nation’s capital, can that happen here?
In an election cycle a few years ago I witnessed the deep animosity between candidates for school board … take a moment to consider that. … This was no national, state or even municipal office offering unfettered power, yet the level of acrimony displayed almost led to a physical altercation.
Have we, one of the, allegedly, most advanced and integrated societies on the planet, really devolved to the point where those running for any elected office feel the need to intimidate rather than debate?
If you are considering voting, and I strongly suggest you do honor the memories of those who died so you can, in the upcoming election, please do yourself and your community a kindness and vote for the right candidate, not the one espousing falsehoods and vitriol at their opponent.
Consider in 2021, out of the 50,000-plus voters in Evanston alone, less than 20% decided who should guide Evanston and its environs for the next few years. While it has not been disastrous by any means, there are plenty of people who like to gripe and moan about how poorly things are going. I do wonder how many of them took a few minutes out of the two weeks early voting was available, or even on Election Day, and voted?
Your right to vote was won for you by folks who were willing to and, in many cases, did lay down their lives. Have some respect for their legacy, their sacrifice, their respect for future generations.
Steve Lemieux-Jordan
Well said Steve!