Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama described it so aptly in her memoir "Becoming". (thanks @CrazyRichFilipina for sharing!) The politics of today is rife with nastiness, it is heartbreaking. It seems that when it comes to choosing the people who are to lead a country, a massive dose of nastiness is the requirement.

Just when you think those seeking political positions are at the very least decent, they easily turn a different shade that can be a throw off. Sometimes, regardless of what one has accomplished, just as important is character that is worth emulating.

After five years of having to live with a leader who can't seem to open his mouth without having to let loose some expletive or profanity especially when his policies, decisions or choices are questioned, I've had enough.

Basic requirement

So yes, it matters that whoever presents themselves as options to run for the highest position of the land must at the very least be dignified and decent. You can be tough and strong without resorting to gutter language or behavior.

We want a leader who is worthy of respect. We need a leader who can best represent the country and its people anywhere in the world. We should have a leader that young people, especially children, can look up to and say I want to be like that person when I grow up, and be proud of it.

Our country's problems are not only many, but complex. And anyone who takes on the job, whether they admit it or not, will be overwhelmed. Not everyone will be pleased with their pronouncements, decisions and actions. And many will want the president's ear.

But when one's purpose to run for office is to truly be of service, and they are guided by a higher source, the heavy responsibility will somehow be lightened. Not by much, given how myriad the issues are, but with discernment and as long as their heart remains in the right place, it is possible to lead while serving.

Enough of the nasty

While the presidential elections are months away, there is that long period within which candidates will not only offer themselves to the electorate, but for their camps and supporters to use every tactic, however vile, dirty, and demeaning to cast doubt on the integrity, credibility, and even humanity of their opponents.

Imagine having to spend millions or even billions to destroy another person's character instead of educating and rallying the public on doing what is possible - even before they earn that position - to resolve issues in the smallest of ways.

Even the toughest person, the most thick-skinned individual who has had to endure not only criticism but rudeness, disparaging remarks, insults, and untruths never become immune to them. Even for five minutes, the hurtful words will sting.

Sadly, the world seems to have become so desensitized and its morals corrupted that not only do we have to endure incidents of people being actually killed through violent acts, but their characters assassinated as well.

It becomes a struggle for those who want to exercise respect, decency, and courtesy when not everyone they will face subscribes to the same principles.

Show who is best

Let it be about the work ethics, results, plans, answers, whether intelligent or inadequate, that will serve as basis in helping voters discern and decide.

If they all have such great plans meant to address everything that is plaguing the country, wouldn't it be great (however much a dream) for all of them to eventually work together to fix things, regardless of who wins? If by some miracle that should ever happen, then everyone would have shown true patriotism and love of country.

Let this race be an opportunity to show who can do the best job, and not a muck raking to bring out who is the worst. No one individual is perfect. But there is one who is most suited (and destined). Let it be about who can be most trustworthy given their track record in public service.

The citizens' role

Much as majority want and feel the need for change, it cannot solely be the responsibility of an administration, or whoever takes over the leadership reins. For so long we have relied on government alone to make the change for us. Because of that dependency, people unwittingly become pawns or puppets.

Yes, it is the people's right to demand government to deliver basic services, to use taxpayers' money to benefit all, if not the majority, and to call officials out when their incompetence exacerbates the problem rather than solves them.

In the same way, citizens have the responsibility to help in nation-building, the most basic of which is discipline and respect for laws. At the same time, we must never settle for "good enough" (pwede na in Filipino), when there is a better way to do it, despite the process requiring some sacrifice.

Many of societal ills can actually be resolved at the local level. It simply needs the cooperation of every resident or citizen that lives in or works at this place, and a leader or official, who inspires. And solutions do not always have to be the initiative of government officials.

Local leadership is just as critical as the national leadership. It is not just about money or resources. It is about organization, implementation, efficiency, and equitability, especially in the use of scarce resources.

It can be done. And it has been done. But only by leaders who have it clear in their mind and heart that they are there to serve, and have no illusions about their positions being one about power.

Images from Unsplash