"Practice empathy" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by quinn.anya

I don’t define myself by political labels—I’m a humanist. Humanism isn’t confined to the left or the right; it’s a philosophy that transcends political divides, focusing on the value of human life and our shared responsibility to one another. Yet, somewhere along the way, politics stopped being about people. Instead of serving humanity, it has become a battleground of self-interest, polarization, and broken promises.

In today’s world, leadership should be rooted in kindness, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of all—especially those who are different from us. True humanism upholds principles such as the pursuit of happiness through service, personal freedom balanced with social responsibility, and the use of reason and evidence to navigate life. Unlike traditional interpretations, I believe humanism can coexist with faith-based perspectives. Rejecting spirituality outright contradicts the very idea that people should have the freedom to live according to their values, as long as they do no harm.

At its core, humanism is about embracing truth, beauty, and goodness in all aspects of life. It’s time to move beyond the constant political struggle and refocus on what truly matters—our shared humanity.

We are confronted daily with political actions that serve no real purpose in improving the lives of the people the government is meant to serve. Standards and decorum have eroded, while elected officials engage in unethical and immoral behavior. Scandals are rampant, and the checks and balances designed to maintain accountability seem ineffective.

This decline is unsustainable. Society needs a clear path to understanding how we arrived at this point—and, more importantly, how we can correct it. The goal is not just to reform government services but to restore integrity to the very systems in which elected officials operate. These systems must hold leaders to the highest ethical and moral standards. Democracy cannot survive if those in power are not held accountable for both their actions and their performance.

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