When the latest crude comments relevant to the 2016 Presidential campaigns arose on Friday, my heart sank; I detest disrespect to anyone. As I watched the media and social media response — and all the justifications for “no more civility necessary, dam*&$%^!!” — my heart sank even more. It’s as if even the most intelligent among us believe respect is not always necessary. Friends, I am not talking about respect for the candidates. I am talking about respect for one another. The Intramuralist will always advocate for such. We advocate for a civility in discussion that currently seems secondary to the “I’m-mad-as-hell-and-not-going-to-take-it-anymore” attitude.
Hence, today, allowing passions and perspectives to cool down somewhat, we will continue our two part “Questions for the Candidates” post, as debate #2 is tonight. Remember: these questions are from a diverse, active group, a group that is concerned about this race, a group that no doubt is concerned about the latest revelations of behavior, but a group that is committed to civility and respect. Also, even with the crude comments and questions of spousal activity relevance, the below questions remain the things I’d rather know most.
First, questions targeted to individual candidates… To Hillary Clinton…
You have experience dealing with ministers of foreign countries. They and we have changed leadership and policies while ensuring agreements made by predecessors. What would you say to ease their minds and those of Americans at home concerning American commitment to our longstanding treaties should the Executive Branch change from Democrat to Republican?
Your husband was unfaithful. What did you say to or about the women Bill was involved with that was untrue?
Are you open to accepting members of the Republican Party in your cabinet? Will you picking the most qualified person over party loyalty?
To Donald Trump…
With world leaders concerned about your diplomacy changes, how would you ease their minds and Americans at home by explaining the “Trump Doctrine” in a clear and precise way?
If you are elected, will you appoint intelligent qualified women in your cabinet?
Over your lifetime, honestly, specifically, how has the way you’ve felt about women changed?
More questions now, for both…
Have you ever volunteered your time, not simply made an appearance for a photo op, more than once to help serve the needy?
What has the American public misunderstood about you?
How do you plan to continue health care reform, and make health care truly affordable?
Should drug prices be regulated?
Do you believe deductibles on health insurance are ethical?
There seems complete freedom of expression in today’s society — marry whomever you want, worship whatever you want, use whatever bathroom you want — except for those with traditional values. How will you promote religious freedom for all Americans, not just the irreligious?
How do you manage the separation of church and state without diminishing the presence and value of either?
We now live in a society that terror organizations have successfully and continually made attacks all over the world. This is not just “an American” problem. As the possible leader of the free world, what will you say to those that continue to attack our way of life? To those that use their religion as a weapon of destruction…
With regard to terrorism, George W. Bush took the fight “over there,” and under Pres. Obama, the fight has come back “over here.” How will you keep us safe?
King Abdullah II of Jordan is fighting ISIL using outdated helicopters from the Vietnam era he purchased on EBay or wherever he can find them. He, along side his troops, drill using live ammunition they can ill afford. How will your administration go about increasing military aid to a trusted ally who alone, is fighting ISIL on a daily basis?
How can we trust Iran, a country which calls America “The Great Satan” and is committed to the extinction of Israel?
We have a military that is sending home soldiers who are fighting wars and conflicts in ways never seen before. They are watching their friends being blown up by IED’s; they are coming home without limbs and suffering with PTSD at record levels. And yet, VA’s across the country are unable to offer the needed help because of lack of funds, loose oversight, corruption and apathy. What will you do in your first 90 days to ensure that these soldiers are cared for upon their return, and what changes are you willing to make to guarantee these measures will be taken and continued?
Considering Va Tech, San Bernardino, Columbine, etc.— what is your plan to work across the aisle to propose and sign legislation to close gun show and internet loophole sales, a longer waiting period, as well as linkage to mental health concerns?
Will you help to get common sense gun laws in place?
What do you intend to do about the mental health crisis in this country?
How can you remove partisanship from debates over the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms?
Is unity in our country important to you, and what will you do to reach across the aisle to find common ground and get Congress functioning again?
Can you be the true leader of our county and not just the leader of your party?
If elected, what will you do to end hunger, alleviate poverty, and create opportunity in the United States and worldwide? (This question word-for-word is being pushed by a broad coalition of hunger-relief groups called “Vote to End Poverty.”)
Can you state how your policies are going to improve our country without attacking the other candidate?
From Benghazi to bankruptcies, deleted emails and undisclosed tax returns, deceptive language and inflammatory language, what do you say to the many Americans who are disappointed with their choices in this campaign and can’t believe we can’t do better than the two of you?
Tonight is debate #2. Let’s see if any of the above questions are asked and answered. Let’s see if substance reigns over style. And let’s see if people can listen more than interrupt. That would be a gift to us all.
Respectfully…
AR