AN INTERFAITH PLEA FOR POSITIVE
CAMPAIGNS
(Click on for a PDF file to print.)
A PASSIONATE CALL FOR A RETURN TO POSITIVE POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNING
We, the undersigned, are deeply disturbed by the character and tone
of the vast majority of political campaigns which are being conducted
during the election season of 2006.
The overwhelming use of negative campaign strategies and attack ads
constituted nothing less than a national disgrace. Negative
campaigning erodes the moral fabric of our society. In the eyes of
the public, it not only diminishes the stature of the candidates, but
also the importance of the offices which they seek. Such campaign
tactics generate an environment of distrust of public officials. Even
worse, by forcing the voters to choose between what is presented as
“the lesser of two evils,” these strategies serve to
dramatically discourage citizen participation in the electoral
process.
The American people need and deserve far more from its political
candidates. We n eed and deserve to have the candidates’
attentions focused on positively presenting their positions on the
pressing issues of our day. We need and deserve to hear thoughtful
dialogue between the candidates on these issues. We need and deserve
to know what our potential future leaders stand for, and what they
intend to accomplish should they be elected.
Therefore, we the undersigned, believing that negative campaigning is
destructive to the American democratic electoral process:
1. Call upon political candidates to responsibly present to the
public their own positions on the pressing issues of our day,
refraining from irresponsible and misleading interpretations of the
positions held by their opponents.
2. Call upon political candidates to cease and desist from attacking
the character of their opponents.
3. Call upon political candidates to distance themselves from and
denounce any political ad run by an independ ent source which supports
their candidacy, but which also engages in the destructive practices
mentioned above.
4. Call upon the American public to withhold financial support from
political campaigns that engage in a strategy of negativism.
5. Call upon the news media to monitor and report upon the successes
and failures of political campaigns to adhere to these principles.
________________________________________________________________
This petition is co-sponsored by the Quad Cities Progressive Clergy
and Churches United of the Quad Cities Area
Please return your signed petition to:
Churches United of the Quad Cities Area,
Drive
(Click on for a PDF file to print.)