Bit of a political bent to this post. It relates to character, and I hope it won’t appear partisan.

Every day we are treated to politicians of all sides avoiding questions, criticising the ‘other side’ for not doing something while declining to help by making suggestions as to what they would do, attacking the opposing party for something they or their own members have done before, and so on.

These people are supposed to be people of character. They are constantly demanding tolerance of others while manifestly failing to demonstrate their own. They are permanently guilty of everything they accuse the other side of committing.

GET A GRIP!

One problem I see that is preventing the situation changing for the better is the childish manner in which any change of mind is addressed by both the ‘clever’ opposition and the ‘informed and objective’ media.

As soon as any politician gives an inch – even an iota of a millionth of a millimetre – they are pounced upon. It’s a U-turn, or a lie, or disingenuous ( a posh, intelligent, wordy lie). It’s proof that the other side was right and “HAH! We told you so!”

Juvenile behaviour that would be cracked down in a court of law, by a judge who would remind those present that decorum is demanded.

The other thing about politics is how private conversations are conflated and used. Yes, “Look what HE said!” is the infantile, finger-pointy, name-calling style of debate we voters have been stuck with since cameras were allowed into the chambers, and social media became the preferred means of contact.

And today, a Japanese Olympics officer was sacked for a joke made 20 years ago.

TWENTY YEARS. Even the courts acknowledge that what applied then wouldn’t apply now.

What a bunch of intolerant, judgemental, idiotic numbskulls we are becoming.

Are you part of this? If so

LOOK AT YOURSELF.

You are conflating character with judging. You are judging others by others’ standards, which you have adopted because you ‘should’ and not necessarily because you truly believe – or even understand – those ideas.

Dr Stephen Covey once said, “Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic.”

No, not easy. I have difficulty with it, too. But in the space between stimulus and response, ask yourself – “Is it true? Does it matter? Have I not done something similar in my own life? Should I be judged for my mistakes? What right have I to judge others?”

By the time you’ve gone through all that, you’ve moved on to less ‘judgey’ and more important thoughts.

Have character. Let others have theirs, even if you don’t quite agree with it. And stop showing off, politicians. You’re supposed to be better than us.

Set an example of patience, understanding and intellectual excellence. And exercise the same levels of tolerance you’re demanding of others.

Please.