#labels #PoliticalCandidates #voting #ProductLabels #PoliticalLabels
When someone labels you, it can be tough to soak off.
But, as observers, we should all learn not to judge people by what someone else labels them.
Conservatives like to call their fellow conservative opponents “liberals.” They are now fixated on calling their actual liberal opponents “communist.”
When one goes to vote, is that person influenced by someone else’s label for a candidate?
He or she should not be.
Labels on food are designed to be factual. They let potential buyers know what is in the package they are picking up.
Often, they let one know how many calories one would consume by eating or drinking the product.
Hopefully, the product’s maker is not misleading consumers by lying on the label.
But, when people are labeled, the intention is not to inform. The intention is to scare or mislead.
It’s one thing for a person to call himself or herself something. That’s telling all who will listen who they are, and how they might react to certain situations.
When others label a person, one should take it with a grain of salt.
As voters, we should rely entirely on what a person has done, or has said. We should not rely on what others say about them.
The exception here is when a person is accused by another of wrongdoing. The accused is very unlikely to admit guilt, at least right away. But, if the accusations are true, or the accusers show credible evidence to back up their allegations, one should take them seriously.
Of course, people can redeem themselves and warrant forgiveness. But, observers should be wary of any redemption efforts. They could be a charade.
When others label a person, it’s often to tell others what such person MIGHT do when he or she is in office.
They are designed to let fearful imaginations run wild at the prospect of this person having power or authority.
Make no mistake. Some politicians or candidates deserve what they are labeled. But, to deserve a label, there must be evidence to back it up.
People often get labeled because what they are proposing, or offering, is good for the public. Good ideas can lead to bad labels.
So, don’t judge a person by what others label him or her. Let them speak, or act, for themselves to tell you who they are.
The act of fighting off a label can be a noble trait. The act of fighting for others who need help is honorable.
So, in this election season, vote. Vote for good people who will work for you. Vote for people who will do their best to keep their promises.
Not voting will get you nothing more than an imaginary label.
Peter