Excellent piece. I agree of course, but it is often difficult for a voter to assess the kindness of candidates. How well can we actually know them? However, in this election for the top representative of the American people, we have been afforded insights into the main candidates, from the candidates themselves. It is not difficult, therefore, to draw conclusions regarding kindness, when one candidate has a hatred/revenge plank in their platform. All the other attributes you list are naturally important, but kindness is essential. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.
A truly effective political comment which is a rarity in this day and age. Unfortunately, kindness has become a less and less commodity in our lives. Kindness should prevail in every endeavor. What a great measure in the political landscape.
Thanks, Paul. It's interesting that I am getting personal emails about this post claiming that I am writing about certain politicians. Whereas I am not. Hmmm. In the mind of the reader I guess.
Ed, I couldn't agree with you more. With respect to Politicians , we have to look at the issues before us. Unfortunately, the top issues are: Inflation, illegal immigrants, Abortion rights, Protecting the unborn baby, crime increase in our schools, drug overdose.
Our country is in a sad state.
Our citizens need to look very hard who they want to lead our Country.
Ed, thank you for this perspective of which we sometimes lose touch. Kindness is such a simple thing and it is far more easy to be kind than mean. Interestingly, kindness is a sign of strength but sometimes we confuse it for weakness……especially in politics. It’s important to remember that strong people don’t knock others down, but rather, they lift them up. I’d love to see that message make the headline news tonight!
Ed, I pondered on the thought of kindness and elections. I appreciate when a candidate gives much about their plans with interviews and press statements so we can be better prepared when we go to the pols.
My grandmother had a framed saying on her wall that said - I expect to pass this way but once. Therefore if there is any good I can do, or any kindness I can show my fellow man, let me do it now for I will never pass this way again. It made an impression on me as a child and I never forgot it. Helene
How correct you are. Being in office in a small town I couldn’t understand how small some people were . When it came to our progress at least I tried to do little things for our youngsters and grownups. What a great feeling .
On a personal note if I may, almost 50 years ago I was a 17 year old high school student who was pretty sick and was so blessed that Dr Farley sent me to a young gastroenterologist named Dr Ed, who took such good care of me. The word ‘kind’ describes you to a T, besides being a great Dr… and all these years later that word ‘kind’ still describes you…
Paul, what a pleasure to hear from you, and what a nice, and kind, thing you wrote. Yes, we need a transfusion of kindness on our politicians. There is much of it in our population, but we need to scratch the surface. It's there, and we'll get it.
I trust you are well. I'm rumbling along, having a wonderful time with my writing, hearing from many, like long time friends and patients like you. All the best.
Wonderful article! I couldn’t agree more. I was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 34 years and I always tried to be kind…as well as patient and pleasant. Maybe our politicians could take a few lessons from the kind, thoughtful teachers out there!
Kindness sadly has gone by the wayside. Unfortunately it followed on the heels of loosing our manners, and even more importantly our religious affiliations and beliefs. Call me a cynic if you will.
Yes, it's easy to slip down the slope of cynicism, Marilyn. I catch myself doing it. But then I stop, look up, and regain my confidence in people because I see so many doing so much good. Just look around. Kindness is there.
I would just add thoughtful and patient to the list. These are qualities a kind person is likely to possess. To negotiate the hundreds of conflicts we currently face will require so much patience and ultimately compromise. The best politicians are good listeners and know compromise is always going to be required.
Kindness should be a way of life but in reality, it can fail in the humans that we are. We are all entitled to an off day or two.
Politics can and will always be nasty when the going gets rough. I saw it and lived it 1960S in the Town of Johnston when families would take sides, and nothing was held back, name calling, stealing opponent's signs, newspapers made by both parties telling wild tales about each other to win the Crown.
I will say our Town has come a long way but every now and then mudslinging continues as it is right now for one of our seats of power.
It's a down and dirty business at times. When you have a weak candidate it's always nice to have a Tea Social.
Yes, Peter, I am not so naive to believe that nasty, sometimes evil, behavior is not a way of life in politics. I've read Machiavelli's "The Prince" and do understand what people do to get to the 'top' to a certain degree. What is so frightening is that this behavior, even threatening lives, has become a way of life; so much so that it seems to be accepted. That's what is unacceptable to me. Thus my ventilation in my blog. My forum if you will.
Very thoughtfully written without showing any party affiliation….. but I’m pretty certain who you are voting for…… and I’m voting the same…. Great insight….. thanks for sharing…. Happy Labor Day!
Hi Ed,
Excellent piece. I agree of course, but it is often difficult for a voter to assess the kindness of candidates. How well can we actually know them? However, in this election for the top representative of the American people, we have been afforded insights into the main candidates, from the candidates themselves. It is not difficult, therefore, to draw conclusions regarding kindness, when one candidate has a hatred/revenge plank in their platform. All the other attributes you list are naturally important, but kindness is essential. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.
Ron DiPippo
Much appreciated, Ron.
Difficult for sure, but critical.
Ed,
A truly effective political comment which is a rarity in this day and age. Unfortunately, kindness has become a less and less commodity in our lives. Kindness should prevail in every endeavor. What a great measure in the political landscape.
Paul
I guess it starts with listening.
Thanks, Paul. It's interesting that I am getting personal emails about this post claiming that I am writing about certain politicians. Whereas I am not. Hmmm. In the mind of the reader I guess.
Ed, I couldn't agree with you more. With respect to Politicians , we have to look at the issues before us. Unfortunately, the top issues are: Inflation, illegal immigrants, Abortion rights, Protecting the unborn baby, crime increase in our schools, drug overdose.
Our country is in a sad state.
Our citizens need to look very hard who they want to lead our Country.
They can tackle issues with negotiations, skill, information, and kindness.
Ruthie, I am voting for you!
Ed, thank you for this perspective of which we sometimes lose touch. Kindness is such a simple thing and it is far more easy to be kind than mean. Interestingly, kindness is a sign of strength but sometimes we confuse it for weakness……especially in politics. It’s important to remember that strong people don’t knock others down, but rather, they lift them up. I’d love to see that message make the headline news tonight!
I could not agree more. Thanks, Melina.
Ed, I pondered on the thought of kindness and elections. I appreciate when a candidate gives much about their plans with interviews and press statements so we can be better prepared when we go to the pols.
Yes, Peter, I agree.
My grandmother had a framed saying on her wall that said - I expect to pass this way but once. Therefore if there is any good I can do, or any kindness I can show my fellow man, let me do it now for I will never pass this way again. It made an impression on me as a child and I never forgot it. Helene
Beautiful, Helene. I wish I knew your grandmother.
How correct you are. Being in office in a small town I couldn’t understand how small some people were . When it came to our progress at least I tried to do little things for our youngsters and grownups. What a great feeling .
Yes, Yes, you nailed it, Joe. It feels good to be kind!
Dr Ed
Such a great article!
On a personal note if I may, almost 50 years ago I was a 17 year old high school student who was pretty sick and was so blessed that Dr Farley sent me to a young gastroenterologist named Dr Ed, who took such good care of me. The word ‘kind’ describes you to a T, besides being a great Dr… and all these years later that word ‘kind’ still describes you…
Lucky to have known you all these years !
Paul S
Paul, what a pleasure to hear from you, and what a nice, and kind, thing you wrote. Yes, we need a transfusion of kindness on our politicians. There is much of it in our population, but we need to scratch the surface. It's there, and we'll get it.
I trust you are well. I'm rumbling along, having a wonderful time with my writing, hearing from many, like long time friends and patients like you. All the best.
Ed, Paul is a class act as you know. Paul so nice to see your name and hope your golf game is still tops. Hello to all.
Yup.
Wonderful article! I couldn’t agree more. I was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 34 years and I always tried to be kind…as well as patient and pleasant. Maybe our politicians could take a few lessons from the kind, thoughtful teachers out there!
Indeed, Rosemary. You HAD to be a listener. I had many like you as teachers, and I remember them all. The thread . . .kindness.
Kindness sadly has gone by the wayside. Unfortunately it followed on the heels of loosing our manners, and even more importantly our religious affiliations and beliefs. Call me a cynic if you will.
Yes, it's easy to slip down the slope of cynicism, Marilyn. I catch myself doing it. But then I stop, look up, and regain my confidence in people because I see so many doing so much good. Just look around. Kindness is there.
I would just add thoughtful and patient to the list. These are qualities a kind person is likely to possess. To negotiate the hundreds of conflicts we currently face will require so much patience and ultimately compromise. The best politicians are good listeners and know compromise is always going to be required.
Perfect
Kindness should be a way of life but in reality, it can fail in the humans that we are. We are all entitled to an off day or two.
Politics can and will always be nasty when the going gets rough. I saw it and lived it 1960S in the Town of Johnston when families would take sides, and nothing was held back, name calling, stealing opponent's signs, newspapers made by both parties telling wild tales about each other to win the Crown.
I will say our Town has come a long way but every now and then mudslinging continues as it is right now for one of our seats of power.
It's a down and dirty business at times. When you have a weak candidate it's always nice to have a Tea Social.
And would that a tea social could do the job.
Yes, Peter, I am not so naive to believe that nasty, sometimes evil, behavior is not a way of life in politics. I've read Machiavelli's "The Prince" and do understand what people do to get to the 'top' to a certain degree. What is so frightening is that this behavior, even threatening lives, has become a way of life; so much so that it seems to be accepted. That's what is unacceptable to me. Thus my ventilation in my blog. My forum if you will.
Understand. If we could be born 100 and grow young, we might solve many of today's problems. I love KINDNESS.
Oh Ed, you are so right! Spot on! Honesty, decency, kindness, and integrity are so important.
Thanks, Paula. We need a huge dose in our politicians.
a very thoughtful article. It is a quality that everyone should have.
Thanks, Bob. I could not agree more.
Ed,
Whatever evokes their own demons can be read into every writing, phrase or ideas.
Paul
Indeed.
Very thoughtfully written without showing any party affiliation….. but I’m pretty certain who you are voting for…… and I’m voting the same…. Great insight….. thanks for sharing…. Happy Labor Day!
Thank you, Richard. Interesting comments I am getting on my email. Those claiming I am showing my hand. Hmmm.