SANTORUM HAS A WINNING MESSAGE
Since Rick Santorum formally announced for the Republican nomination today, I thought I would offer my rationale, in part, for supporting his candidacy. I have observed Rick first hand as a fellow parishioner, worked with him while he was in the United States Senate, profiled him in my book: Politics with Principle: 10 Characters with Character and discussed his views on the Character Building Project.
A Virtue Based Prosperity Measure For A Rising Generation Of Americans
Following Friday’s post on The Character Building Project, I was pleasantly surprised with our readers reaction that Professor Seligman, a modern day (positive) psychologist, would be at home with thinking of Aristotle, Cicero and other thinkers of ancient times. Continue reading
Kerrigan Address to the Knights of Columbus Padre Pio Council St. Catherine of Siena Parish
THANK YOU GARY AND THE KNIGHTS FOR GATHERING SO MANY FRIENDS.
In the next 15 minutes, I will discuss my book and the virtues needed to be an honest politician. Then I will profile two of the four Catholic characters and share some lessons learned. Continue reading
A Crisis Does Not Build Good Character It Reveals It
Of my ten characters, oftentimes there was some inciting incident that launched them on their quest for public office. Some began their pursuit in a purposeful way. For example seven of the ten characters began their careers as lawyers. Others pursuit began in the military or in less structured paths. Most all faced progressive complication along the way. Continue reading
KERRIGAN SPEECH IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN
Many, many thanks to Flo and Paul Eckstein for gathering so many of their friends and colleagues to hear my comments about character in politics. In Politics with Principle, I chose to focus on virtue rather than vice–and to show the values successful leaders bring to public service. I want to show the next generation of political leaders simple truths … Continue reading
CHARACTER MUST BE REPLENISHED IN EVERY GENERATION
Teaching America’s children character may not change their world but it certainly can strengthen his or her ability to survive and succeed in it. However, children are not likely to have good character without their parents’ first are having character and be willing to teach it. Given the demise (out of wedlock births, divorce, cohabitation, absentee parenting, massacres in our colleges, high schools and town squares, etc.) of our culture over the last 40 years, educating parents in character development is especially needed today. Certainly, religious and educational institutions can supplement the efforts of parents. However, as Rick Santorum wrote in It Takes A Family the keys in fostering character are the formation, stability and success of the traditional family. Continue reading
BY WHAT A MAN IS HE INFLUENCES OTHERS
The character of each of the characters in Politics with Principle is made up of various parts. There are the inherited tendencies, which each naturally possess. There are the habits each acquired which form their “second natures.” There is the environment, which each character was raised. Continue reading
Santorum: A 2012 long shot tests the water
This weekend’s Washington Post featured an article on Rick satorum, one of the characters in Politics with Principle. The article follows.
GOFFSTOWN, N.H. – It was pushing 10 p.m., and Rick Santorum was sitting at the corner table in a near-empty Dunkin’ Donuts. The garishly lit scene might have been lifted straight from the movie “Primary Colors.” Continue reading
EXAMPLE IS ALWAYS MORE EFFICACIOUS THAN PRECEPT.
The current attitude toward the American political community is less than positive. Over the last 40 years, cynicism toward political life has grown. Today, few believe there are men and women of good character serving our Republic.
I believe we must work hard to cure this cynicism; such a view threatens the very Republic that brought us the liberties we uniquely enjoy in America. To counter this cynicism, it is important to note public servants who stood fast in a time of crisis, to honor those who maintained their responsibility and duty when tempted by the allure of power and notoriety. Continue reading
DANGER ZONE INTERVIEW EXCERPTS CONTINUED…
In your book you question the cast of characters on the impact religion has played in their life. What answer did you expect and what answer did you get by and large?
I expected they would say religion played a dominant role in the formation of their character. The general response from the remaining characters was to follow the Golden Rule. Continue reading