Wandering up and down Main Street in Newton Saturday, I was ecstatic to see a multitude of tents manned by political candidates clustered around the political stage near the mini-park.
Candidates getting out in public, talking with everyday people is a thrill reserved for local elections; not something one would see from the mega-donor courting national, and to an extent, state candidates. Mingling with the people and letting the voters, not the donors, know about their platform is one of the most encouraging things I think a candidate can do.
However, there was one more thing that truly showed the class of Newton County candidates and their supporters. While the various tables and booths for political opponents were less than a stone’s throw away from each other, there were no stones being thrown.
For the past few weeks, I’ve watched candidates such as Tate Reeves and Jim Hood throw childish insults at each other, thick with hyperbole and partisan stereotypes; basically, acting like toddlers on a global platform.
“He wants to make murder legal.”
“He hates teachers.”
Yada-yada-yada!
If I could be allowed a slight tangent, what happened to politics. I’m sure I’m not the only one who remembers the civilized debates, gentlemen in well-pressed suits proudly displaying mastery of ethos, pathos and logos, discussing the issues and avoiding personal attacks. Where did that go?
Sometimes, it seems while I was being taught to emulate the moral lessons of state and local leaders, those same leaders were taking lessons on how to argue from my sister and I. I’m pretty sure my mom telling Reeves and Hood to go to their rooms would have about the same effect, too!
With our state candidates behaving like they were raised by wolves, I was very grateful for the tact, class and comradery shown by the candidates at Loose Caboose. They were polite, respectful and used their time at the podium to discuss the issues they would like to address if elected. It was refreshing to see honor and civility brought back into politics.
I’m very proud of our candidates, and I wish them luck in the election!
Thomas is the managing editor of the Newton County Appeal. He can be reached at thoward@newtoncountyappeal.com
