Letter: Voters should focus on issue of character

As we consider our voting opportunities this year, our choices on candidates and their positions on domestic and worldwide issues are numerous and complex.

There are many ways to make a judgment on any candidate. I believe we need to consider which candidate is best prepared to use the power that comes with office not only from our review of his or her experience, knowledge and proven job performance, but also by demonstrated character to persuade and work effectively with others.

If we had a chance to meet and have a discussion with the candidates, I think most of us would be heavily influenced by the character they each display. Character is the backbone of the morality, ethics and values that people practice. Can we hope to continue to prosper as a nation if we continue to lose trust in others and their character? We stress character development with our kids. We also attempt to practice it well in our relationships with others in our society, which otherwise can become corrupt and evil. I recommend "The Road to Character" by David Brooks published last year.

My hope is that we as a free people of God will seriously consider the character of the leaders we vote for. Maybe in making our choices, we can also leave our biases, prejudices and fears behind as thanks for the gifts that our forebears have made in developing our nation.

Walt Schymik

Hilton Head Island

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Letter: Voters should focus on issue of character."