Out of the Gutter: People of Faith for Clean Politics
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Election Day 2008 may still be a year away, but campaign season is already upon us. As the elections approaches, people of faith are calling on politicians and political parties to reject the "gutter politics" of innuendo, deception and character attacks and stick to the real issues affecting their constituents. Already, faith leaders are organizing to make their voices heard on this issue.
Drawing on the call to "speak truth in the public square," the diverse faith leadership of We Believe Ohio is declaring the state a "Political Sleaze-Free Zone" and circulating a petition challenging all parties and candidates to campaign with integrity rather than cynicism, for the common good rather than polarization. Their effort officially launched on November 8, but they had already collected almost 1,000 signatures to their petition (Ohioans can sign up here) and gained some positive media attention.
National groups are weighing in as well; continue reading for more on the "Catholic Call to Observe Civility in Public Debate"
On November 6, 2007 a group of prominent lay Catholic leaders issued a similar call for a "spirit of civility" in 2008 campaigns, focusing especially on Catholic politicians.
The "Catholic Call to Observe Civility in Public Debate" also calls on ordained Catholic leadership to ensure the Church does not get used as a "partisan, political tool."
It remains to be seen how many candidates and political parties will commit themselves to clean campaigning. Ultimately, however, the responsibility rests with the voters. When enough voters decide to put integrity and the common good over divisive partisanship, politicians will quickly follow.
