French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is often credited with saying, “If you wish to be a success in the world, promise everything, deliver nothing.”
Napoleon died in 1821, but his alleged political philosophy appears alive and well in 21st-century politics. As Americans begin early voting in the midterm elections, we are once again bombarded with political promises, questionable claims, and carefully crafted rhetoric designed to win votes.
I don't mean to sound cynical, but I'm amazed by how readily some citizens believe promises that any reasonably informed person should recognize as unrealistic. Being deceived once is understandable. But believing the same empty promises election after election raises an uncomfortable question: Do we blame politicians for deceiving us, or should we look in the mirror and accept responsibility for allowing the deception to continue? Democracy is a wonderful system, but it requires informed and engaged citizens. Its strength depends not simply on how many people vote, but on how seriously voters examine the issues and evaluate candidates seeking public office. Unfortunately, finding reliable information has become increasingly challenging.
I sometimes long for the days of legendary CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite, once considered "the most trusted man in America." Americans trusted Cronkite to report the news without allowing his personal political preferences to dominate the broadcast. Those days seem distant. Today, reporting, commentary, and political advocacy are frequently blurred. Some news organizations appear more interested in controlling narratives than informing citizens. Frankly, certain claims from behind a television news desk deserve no more unquestioning confidence than barbershop or beauty salon gossip. If you want the truth, be prepared to do your own research.
Then come the political attack ads. Most voters claim to dislike negative campaigning, yet candidates continue spending enormous sums attacking opponents. Sometimes the criticism is legitimate. Too often, however, facts are taken out of context, exaggerated, or distorted to damage an opponent's reputation. Negative advertising is frequently employed by campaigns seeking to change political momentum. But here's what bothers me most: A candidate may spend an entire commercial explaining why an opponent shouldn't be elected without offering one convincing reason why that candidate deserves our vote.
Beyond television and radio commercials, voters face mailers, billboards, robocalls, text messages, social media promotions, and countless yard signs. And just when you think you've escaped the political noise, you arrive at the polls. North Carolina permits electioneering outside designated voting-site buffer zones. Consequently, expect campaign workers distributing literature and encouraging support for their preferred candidates.
Some citizens dread election season. Others, political junkies like me, can hardly wait for our next political fix. But whether you love politics or despise it, remember this: Democracy cannot fulfill its promise if citizens neglect their responsibility. Question the rhetoric. Examine the facts. Study voting records. Demand accountability. Never surrender your judgment to politicians or media personalities. Politicians may promise everything and deliver nothing, but informed voters can demand better.
Like it or not, this is our political system. Do your homework, think for yourself, and for goodness' sake, VOTE!