Time Out! If Politicians would Stop their Individual Insults they May Regain Respect from Their Constituents

Professor Joe Goldblatt
For the first time in my life I was booed loudly by several hundred people. And I deserved it.
During the acrimonious and very passionate Scottish Independence referendum debate I attended a public meeting with an experienced debater from the YES movement and a last minute substitution of a young student who was unprepared from the NO movement. The debate was moderated by an even handed, fair, and impartial Church of Scotland Minister.
After the student read her remarks from a leaflet seemingly provided by the NO campaign I asked her a couple of questions which she was unprepared to answer and therefore appeared flustered. I then stated directly to her “I am disapppointed in your answer. You would not merit a first in my class.” Then the booing started and continued for some time.
After the debate, as I left the hall, several people looked away from me, others looked down upon me, and a few brave souls told me that I was out of order.
Later I explored my mistake by asking friends for feedback. Their reply was simple and highly instructive as they told me that in Scotland, you may attack the argument, however, never attack the person. How I wish our politicians today would abide by this simple mantra today.
Recently the current President of the United States was asked about what may be learned from the life of former President Jimmy Carter and he said “Decency.” I believe decency begins with the tip of our tongue and how we speak to one another in public as well as in private.
In the recent US Presidential race the slings and arrows of outrageous personal insults came fast and futurious. Instead of focusing upon the important issues facing the most powerful country in the world, the candidates took aim at one another and insulted their personal behaviour, their disabilities, and much more.
I have had enough. I do not vote for people nor personalities. I vote for policies. Show me a politician and party that has strong policies where I may subscribe and support and you will win my support in the future. Period. End of paragraph. Full stop.
However, if they continue to attack one another personally, I shall not boo, instead I will walk away in silence and look for that decent behaviour that was exemplified over 100 years by Jimmy Carter. And then, those policies and the people behind them, will earn my support.
Professor Joe Goldblatt is Professor Emeritus of Planned Events at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. His views are his own. For more information about his views visit www.joegoldblatt.scot