Wouldn’t it be, and feel, nice and reassuring if we felt we could have a higher degree of FAITH in our civil servants, especially, in difficult times, both at home and abroad? Studies and surveys indicate that Americans feel less of this today than ever in recent memory, which probably comes as a surprise to few of us. This perception has probably been decades (or more) in coming, yet perhaps due to the divisive and polarizing nature of President Donald Trump, it appears to be even more widespread! In the past, presidents, governors, mayors, county and town supervisors, and others used to speak up to try to comfort our citizens during difficult times. History reminds us of the Fireside Chats, Mayor LaGuardia reading the Comic strips, and other comforting directions, aimed at reducing tension, stress and in the hope of avoiding public panic. With that in mind, this article will briefly try to consider, examine, review and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it is important.

1. face the facts; future; fears; furnish; fruition; faithful: Despite what seems to be the perception of many politicians, most people want their public officials to be ready, willing and able to face facts and focus on achieving the best future! They should stoke our fears, but rather, they must be true to the best interests of the nation and its citizens! Wouldn’t we be better served if they provided a strategy and course of action to bring quality solutions to fruition? If officials are not true to purpose, then they are not serving or representing our best interests!

two. Attitude; fitness; attention; articulate; Values: Instead of negativity, we need representation from people with true, positive, can-do attitudes! If this were aligned with the development of a relevant, well-considered set of skills and abilities, and were willing to pay close attention to the needs of the nation, we would see much better developed strategies and meaningful action plans. A true leader must consistently articulate a compelling message that is honest, factual, and relevant, while also being positive, inspiring, and motivating!

3. Integrity; ideas; impacts; ideology: If the ideology and philosophy, which formed the basis of our Constitution, do not align with the ideas of an official, the impacts will be generally negative! When was the last time, you could say, that he had faith in the integrity of his representative?

Four. time tested; prompt: It’s hard to have faith in someone who seems to ignore time-tested realities and proceed, without procrastination, in a well-considered and time-tested manner!

5. Cicatrization; heart head: We need and deserve healing, instead of polarizing and divisive leaders! This will only be achieved when someone uses the finer components of their logical and emotional parts in a head/heart balance!

Wake up, America, and demand, your elected officials, earn and deserve our FAITH, and trust! Will you commit to being a more responsible citizen and voter?