Lead By Example By Linda Stowe
The first political campaign I remember was when Dwight Eisenhower ran against Adlai Stevenson. It was 1952 and I was eight years old at the time. For some reason I thought the candidate’s name was Artsy Stevenson, maybe because I had never heard the name Adlai before. Regardless, I joined my classmates on the playground chanting, “I like Ike,” Eisenhower’s campaign slogan. I suppose Stevenson had a slogan too but I never knew what it was. That was my first foray into politics. I had no idea what Republicans or Democrats stood for, but one has to start somewhere.
My parents voted in every election. I suppose they talked about politics with one another, but I have no memory of discussions about candidates. I never knew which political party either of my parents supported. They seemed to have conservative values, but they lived lives where volunteerism and equal rights were also important. Their three children learned by their example, and all became Democrats.
When it comes down to it, that’s how children learn. We may remember the words of guidance our parents give us, but after all is said and done, it is their example we follow.
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Polly here.
The first election I remember happened in 1968. Richard Nixon, a Republican, against Hubert Humphrey, a Democrat, and and the American Independent Party nominee, former Alabama governor George Wallace. I only have a glimpse of this. And not because of my parents, but because my grandpa had a strong dislike for Nixon.
All of that aside, my parents were Democrats. I’d say they were progressive for their time, too. They believed in helping others. They believed in equality. They did not show prejudice toward others.
As Linda said in her great commentary, we learn the most from example.
Leading by example is one of the greatest qualities a person can exhibit. Good parents do it.
I’m sure your parents did. Mine did too. And maybe, just maybe, the world needs more of this right now.
Lead By Example By Linda Stowe
