Apolitician’s top five traits

Dear editor: Qualities of a good politician. This is one tough question to answer. It might parallel the impact of the old adage, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Everyone has his or her bias as to the quality question.

Here is mine based on a review cross-section of some national and international successful leaders and their qualities.

Honesty: Being honest can sometimes be difficult because it makes individuals vulnerable. It reveals who we really are. This gives others the opportunity to criticize and reject openly. Honesty develops character and builds credibility and trust. Character and trust are the foundation to get confidence and respect from those around you. If you tell people the truth, when you next encounter them, you won’t have to remember what you said.

Compassion: Compassion is the humane quality of understanding of the suffering of others and wanting to do something to lessen or relieve the suffering. Many see compassion as a weakness. I see true compassion is a characteristic that converts knowledge to wisdom. Compassion is needed so as to decide on a course of action that would benefit individuals in a given situation the most.

Integrity: The word integrity is defined as “the adherence to moral and ethical principles; the soundness of moral character.” It is a synonym for honesty and uprightness, and is a vital characteristic for those in political leadership. Political leaders who possess integrity can be trusted because