Common-sense votes

There are two crucial traits to look for in a political candidate for any office: common sense and the ability to do the “right thing.” Both traits involve a candidate having concern for all the people, not just those in their political party or personal favor. When you look back in history, we see these traits again and again among the most famous and beloved leaders, not just in the United States, but in the world.

The ability to make practical and sound judgments is based on an understanding of the world and how it works and is key to utilizing one’s common sense. Reasoning, experience and some intuition to solve problems helps one to navigate everyday and special situations. Reasonable people use common sense as their practical and only course of action in any situation.

Doing the “right thing” is equally as important as common sense. One must utilize accurate information, feelings, emotional intelligence, and consequences to do the right thing. This combination of moral will and moral skill may be influenced by many factors such as the characteristics of the individual and characteristics of the issue. For sure, one must consider doing the right thing for the welfare of all and be aware of any consequences, good or bad, which may take place.

For those committed to “party loyalty,” these two major traits are usually overlooked or are nonexistent. Party loyalists tend to be committed to what the party believes, which may not be characterized as either common sense or doing the right thing.

It is important that, before we vote, we look at all the candidates objectively and thoroughly to determine which ones deserve our vote. An evaluation of common-sense approaches and the ability to do the right thing in a person, when recognized, may solve the problem of who we vote for or, in absentia, may make voting more difficult.

GEORGE WILKEN Little Rock