Monday, October 12, 2015

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF POLITICAL DISCOURSE


On the eve of the first Democratic presidential debate and after reflecting on the two Republican debates that have been held so far, I should like to offer the following Ten Commandments for those who engage in political discourse, and I shall be watching to see how well the candidates observe them:

 1. Be truthful -    Thou shalt tell no untruths or half-truths.

2. Be honest -       Thou shalt not pretend, but shalt share thine own ideas with conviction.

3. Be humble -     Thou shalt not boast, but thou mayest reference thine own record.

4. Be factual -      Thou shalt be accurate and forthcoming with facts and figures.

5. Be fair -           Thou shalt not misrepresent thy opponent’s point of view.or record.

6. Be clear -         Thy shalt not leave thy hearers wondering what thou didst mean.

7. Be concise -     Thou shalt not be verbose but shalt speak directly to the question.

8. Be relevant -    Thou shalt address issues that impact thy hearers' lives and welfare..

9. Be direct -        Thou shalt not be devious, but thou shalt answer the question asked.

10. Be friendly -   Thou shalt avoid personal attacks, and thou shalt remember to smile.

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