It's Character, Stupid!

To a large extent we Americans get to pick our leaders. Therefore, we get the government we deserve. And if we are disillusioned and fed up with Washington, we have only our own venality, apathy, and ignorance to blame.

In his first presidential campaign, Clinton's advisors put up a sign that said, " It's the Economy, Stupid!" They knew that Bush was weak on the economy and much stronger with respect to patriotism, morality, and national defense than Clinton. Wisely they kept their candidate and the American people focused on the economy. For they knew that a sufficient number of Americans would vote their pocketbooks rather than their consciences. They were right. Over a third of us voted for Bill Clinton.

But America's primary problem is not economic; it is moral. And if we are content to elect immoral people to public office just because they promise us an improved economy, or some other good thing, then it is little wonder that our country is in such alarming decline.

The Bible says that "righteousness exalts a nation, and sin is a reproach to any people" Proverbs l4:34. Wickedness brings a curse upon a land, and goodness brings a blessing. A country whose citizens honor God and obey His moral law will be blessed in every way including in its economy.

So let me suggest another slogan, something like, "It's Character, Stupid!" A nation is only as good as its leaders. If we lack the character and conviction to hold ourselves and our public servants to high moral standards, we need not expect to be blessed, economically, or in any other way.