Morning in America is a blog focused on the challenges to, and promises of Americas’ future. Part of that responsibility is to focus on improvement opportunities of politics itself. Locally there is a primary race for the Third Congressional District now represented by Corrine Brown.
Congresswoman Brown has basked in the perception that she is unbeatable, and has even convinced some local power brokers of that premise. One can imagine the resentment of Republicans when their own former-leaders bowed at the throne of this (mis) perception. Today, the seat looks very attainable, and many believe this year is the best opportunity to remove both Brown, as well as the court-ordered mandate that this district be gerrymandered to garner the votes of black citizens for a black candidate.
In the midst of this exciting moment in history has become a scandal of sorts with one of the candidates. It appears that this scandal includes issues such as misappropriation of funds, (not a legal accusation, but a valid perception) and some quick two-stepping to cover up the issue. To make matters worse, and more insulting is the fact that the incident took place in the name of “God and Country”. Americans by-nature despise those who take advantage of the weak or the naïve, and more especially when the advantage is taken by a politician who says “trust me, I’m a Christian”.
While I personally have levels of friendships with those involved, they must understand that the election is more important than their candidacies, or their approbations. To remain true to the determination to be a straight-shooter, dedicated to the conservative principles enunciated by the Republican party platform; Morning in America postulates that it’s time for Chris Nwasike to come forward with an explanation, or remove himself from the primary for this Congressional seat.
Instead of re-hashing the issue here in the public domain, I have spoken with the parties involved in this local issue and have come to the personal conclusion that there is a strong appearance of a politician taking advantage of a naïve young man who was more trusting than prudent, then threatening him if he makes a public issue of that mistreatment. This is exactly the type of politician Americans are tired of dealing with.
Gone are the days when silver-tongues can tickle our ears and gain our votes. The time and the day has come when character counts: especially within the Republican Party. If an inexperienced candidate makes a mistake, we; realizing how convoluted election laws have become, can overlook some unintended faux pas, but intentions are so very important when determining the the character of a person whom one doesn’t know personally.
There are those who counter that a person is innocent until proven guilty: I agree, but I also understand that character isn’t always a legal issue. It is, however, a factor in deciding who best represents a constituency, a political party, and leads a Country. When a politician leaves distrust and discord in his wake, it’s a good indication that politician has character issues. When one leaves that impression, then is caught in a scandal where the innocent-minded are taken advantage of: it illustrates that person isn’t what the re-focused Republican Party stands for.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proclaimed: “I have a dream today, where a man is judged not by the color if his skin, but by the content of his character.” That day has arrived.
The window of opportunity is nearly closed. Candidate Chris Nwasike needs to offer a valid explanation of his activities, or he should resign from his bid for the Third Congressional seat. The new day has dawned where veracity and transparency is a requirement for representing the American people to it’s government.
The last thing America needs is another crooked politician.
