Guest Post: A Clear Choice -- Words or Deeds?

Papa B submitted this one for your consideration.

A Clear Choice: Words or Deeds?

The voters in this presidential election will have a clear choice between two individuals: one who is practiced and skilled in words and another whose deeds define him.

The infatuation with Senator Obama emanates from his words, his speeches and his charisma... and not his deeds. His deeds are indeed unremarkable and his followers are inclined to ignore his judgments, long term associations with anti-American organizations and people; his decisions to vote “present”; and to initiate so little legislation especially considering his capabilities. He has consistently followed his party mantra and not sought consensus as has Senator McCain.

John McCain certainly does not have the speaking presence that Senator Obama has. However, while his words may lack theatre, his deeds reflect courage and character. When faced with crisis or danger, he moved toward it whereas Senator Obama consistently avoided it. Continued choices to avoid confrontation or crisis are a reflection of ones character.

All of us have failings. All of us take missteps, or misspeak. That makes us human. When one errs or makes a poor judgment, it is an incident and we have the opportunity to make amends, apologize and at the very least learn from our error. When we continue the same pattern of “incidental errors”, this pattern becomes a “condition”. An association with one individual of poor character is an incident and we have all done it. Continued associations with individuals of questionable character are a “condition” and reflect flaws in judgment or conscious choices either for gain or comfort.

“Past performance is a predictor of future performance.” Most managers know that when hiring a new employee or reviewing a current employee, that past behavior issues will usually recur. Individuals can change but behavior modification is not a high-probability occurrence.

We are being asked to vote for someone and ignore his past conduct in exchange for his charismatic speech and rhetoric. The alternative is to vote for someone whose persona reflects only courage and character. Churchill said “A politician thinks about the next elections – the statesman thinks about the next generations.” Senator Obama has truly managed an outstanding campaign. But, is this a test of a true statesman? When you make your decision, listen carefully to the words but make your judgment on their deeds.