Let’s Allow Room for Growth

There’s a disturbing trend in our political debate. We, the people, have been burned so badly by so many leaders in our past that we won’t allow our current leaders room to grow.

I’ve lost count of the number of politicians who have faced charges of flip-flopping lately. As I listen to their discourse, I realize that some of them legitimately may have changed their opinions after receiving additional information. In the past we called that growth or maturity.

If we discount the sincerity of everyone who is willing to admit that they make mistakes, we run the risk of maintaining the status quo at all costs. That won’t help us solve the global challenges ahead. Our leaders will continue to make mistakes, but a real leader will learn from them.

Do your homework this election season. Before dismissing a candidate because they may have changed positions, listen to what else they have to say. How have they learned from their mistakes? Do they have well-researched but flexible plans? Are they capable of helping this country face the future, or are they entrenched in the policies of the past? Are they willing to listen to the concerns of citizens from all parties, races, ethnic groups, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds? Can they unite the citizens of this country to make us competitive in a global economy? Our country needs leaders who have the vision and courage to lead us through the challenging times ahead.