Words of wisdom for voters

My Yankee mom shared a bit of wisdom with me as I approached voting age. “Listen less to the candidates’ hype. Look at the candidates’ past.” She then listed traits she valued, and which my folks worked to instill in us kids.

•Be a person worthy of respect, a reliable worker or trustworthy business person.

•Work together toward the common good of communities and country.

•Be curious. Get a broad education. Read widely. Listen to varied points of view. Ask questions. Discern. Find a “germ of truth” in a situation.

•Be honest. Avoid duplicitous talk. Speak truthfully, help correct misinformation, and call out “disinformation” aka lies.

•Avoid vilifying others. We won’t agree on everything. Find areas in which we do agree.

•Be humble. Practice Ho‘oponopono the Hawaiian tradition of reconciliation. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.”

The Democratic candidates in Iowa most closely exemplify these traits.

Marion Patterson

Cedar Rapids