GOOD CHARACTER IS ESSENTIAL TO SELF GOVERNMENT

It seems the lack of good character exists in all human endeavor, whether in politics, business or sports. Yet, I was almost always greeted with hearty laughter when I responded I was writing a book about characters with character in politics.  Politics with Principle profiled and documented 10 characters with exemplary character. My narrative revealed the complicated intermingling of personal traits and political skills at the heart of the character each created. Each crafted a character for themselves that reflected the virtues and moral values they brought and did not betray in their public service careers.

Tom Bliley, one of my ten characters, is a man of unquestionable principle and rectitude. Tom honed his political skills as Mayor of Richmond, Virginia before coming to Congress. His principles and skills were tested as Mayor when he had to enforce court order busing. Tom rose to become the Chairmen of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the oldest and most powerful committee in the House of Representatives. Later in the minority, he worked in a bipartisan way to pass legislation with Chairman Henry Waxman, among the most liberal members of the House. Tom is an unusual politician, a man of few words. He is a conservative whose motto is “do not be the first to adopt the new or the last to throw away the old.”

Our nation counts on these ten people of good character and thousands of others like them who work day in and day out to provide essential services for the citizens of this Republic. Their good character is not a convenience or luxury, it is an essential element of self-government.