Here in the U.S., we are in a significant election period. This is not just another election but a crucial moment. It is our task to choose the next leader who will guide our country toward a brighter future.

The responsibility to vote cannot be understated, and the urgency of the upcoming election cannot be ignored.

Throughout my life, I’ve never pledged allegiance to any political party. I’ve always strived to be an independent thinker, free from partisan influence. I firmly believe that personal beliefs should not interfere with professional conduct in public settings, and I have chosen not to express my political views in my work.

If there were a political party to which I would belong, it would have to pledge and dedicate its mission to doing good versus evil and doing right over wrong. It would be a party that makes every effort to develop and sustain a core value of making this earth the best planet for coexisting and living in peace and harmony with all life.

More than any other year in my history of being eligible to vote, I can’t sit on the sidelines and do nothing to share my views on what I see happening in my country. There has been a significant erosion of all the core principles and values I have held dear. I have dedicated my life to promoting respect, consideration, kindness, positivity, goodness, manners, honesty, civility, and etiquette.

While no one is perfect, including myself, I strive to not repeat my mistakes and continue to do better.

In my small way, I’ve been attempting to share my perspectives in my monthly newsletters. I want to reinforce and persuade readers of any political view to please think of the greater good of humanity to always choose the best candidate for all elected positions who strives and maintains the highest levels of core values everyone should live by. No one should ever vote for a person who is mean-spirited, who talks about people in derogatory, non-inclusive ways; who shares false information to scare and gain votes; and to ultimately have power over others, as seen in other countries.    

Please review the series of past articles released this year: —  Etiquette Is an Attitude… to set the stage… [Also at: https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/etiquette-is-an-attitude/

— Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong, Right? [Also at: https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/right-is-right-and-wrong-is-wrong-right/]—- 90-minute class on democracy, what has happened to it, and how to fix it as an excellent overview… [Also at:  https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/etiquette-and-democracy/

A two-parter…— Civility and Why We Need It More Than Ever[ Also at: https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/civility-and-why-we-need-it-more-than-ever/

— Civility is part of everyday life [Also at:  https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/civility-is-part-of-everyday-life/

— And, a personal observation…Smiling and laughing is etiquette [Also at:  https://www.advancedetiquette.com/general/smiling-and-laughing-is-etiquette/

Now, the culmination of why voting ‘right’ is vital as part of citizen etiquette:

1. It reflects core values. Voting allows individuals to express their truest values and vision for society. It’s a way to advocate for policies that promote kindness, inclusion, and equality. It can reinforce the idea that proper etiquette involves caring for all community members in our neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, and the world.

2. Using empathy as a guide. Voting with sincere empathy is imperative. By understanding the challenges faced by different populations and unaffectedly putting yourself in the shoes of others and our president, how would you govern in ways that uplift rather than marginalize? Vote for the path that fosters and includes a sense of shared humanity and interconnectedness, not isolation.

3. Avoid the danger of division. When you place your political party over people and prioritize divisive tactics or policies that harm certain groups, you undermine the foundational values of democracy.  It becomes even more important to vote against such candidates and measures to uphold the value of integrity.

4. Voting promotes unity. When citizens vote for candidates and policies that seek to include everyone, they contribute to a more harmonious society where differences are celebrated, not feared. We must all strive toward this, regardless of whether we see it come to fruition in our lifetime.  

5. Leaving a positive legacy for future generations. Today’s votes and decisions will impact future generations. As you know, I constantly share my thoughts on working toward the dream world I want to live in and leave behind. From this value, all else will come into view.

6. Transforming perspectives for the greater good.  Be a person who constantly shares positive stories of individuals who have changed your views through exposure to different experiences. This demonstrates your humanity in understanding others’ struggles, which leads to compassion and a desire to vote for the greater good.

7. Displaying collective responsibility. The faster we understand collective responsibility and display a sense of being a citizen, the quicker we demonstrate our commitment that everyone’s rights are respected.

8. Embrace dialogue over dismissal. When I was about ten, a music teacher told me: “Never say you don’t like something until you understand it.” By fostering open dialogue about the importance of inclusivity in every aspect of life, we will bridge gaps in understanding and encourage others to reconsider their views by being better informed and educated.

Conclusion: Voting for the candidates and policies that support kindness and inclusion is an expression of strength, not weakness. It’s a step towards a more equitable society in all countries on this planet.

I urge you to recognize that each person’s vote counts, and can be a step toward a more compassionate world, over dominance and power, filled with deception and falsities. This is what it means to be a global citizen of etiquette.   

I believe in being inclusive, not exclusive, in every way, shape, and form—and I truly hope you do, too! I am open to all civil and factual comments anyone cares to share on this matter. No matter what is shared, I will not argue because it is everyone’s free choice to vote for their best choice candidate. I couldn’t sit by the sidelines without sharing my perspectives. Thank you for your willingness to read this to the end and for not judging me harshly for sharing my perspectives.

Happy Practicing!… Happy Voting!