1 year ago
50
When it comes to professional resumes, there are exaggerations and then there are flat-out lies.
An exaggeration: I’m proficient in PowerPoint. A lie: I invented PowerPoints.
For Rep. George Santos (R-NY), the lies seem to come easy. From fake Jewish heritage to his mother’s fabricated death to the source of his campaign finances to a made-up animal rescue charity (yes, really), George Santos’ journey to Congress is both a story of deception and a cautionary tale.
It’s one thing to try to con your way through an election, and another “thing” to con your way through an election, win that election, proudly admit that you lied, and then still maintain your seat and power. That’s the burden that now falls squarely on the shoulders of the Republican party — especially as Santos shows signs of embracing far-right ideology.
For Republicans, there’s a consequential and timely decision to be made: Either unequivocally call for Santos to resign, or endorse deceitful behavior at the expense of the American people.
But while all eyes and tweets turn to Republican officials, they aren’t the only folks who can learn from this situation.
We all should be paying close attention. Because this isn’t just about one congressional race, but every race moving forward.
As humans, we're wired to believe people have the best intentions — to take people at face value. In a perfect world (somewhere far away) deep political vetting shouldn’t be necessary. There should be no reason to distrust public officials. We should be content with taking candidates at their word...or resume. After all, why would they lie?
What's more, the choice about who gets elected — and who doesn’t — has historically boiled down to a variety of factors: media spend, PR, campaign wealth, opposition research, as well as many intangible elements.
All this to say, the people of New York’s Third Congressional District were simply voting for their preferred candidate based on the information available. It could have happened to any of us — and that’s the scary part.
George Santos isn’t the first politician to try to take advantage of voters, and he certainly won’t be the last.
So, let this be a reality check. A call for reflection for constituents, media, and politicians everywhere, across party lines. A reminder that a resume doesn’t always tell the whole story; that more money doesn’t mean more qualified; that policy has real-life implications, and as such, so do the people who shape those policies.
A reminder that while politics can be funny, democracy is no laughing matter.
We must continue to take an active role in the democratic process. To be curious. To be skeptical (but not cynical). To ask questions: Who are the people we are voting for? How much do we actually know about them? Have we done our own research? Do our values truly align?
Representing our country is a privilege and one that should not be taken for granted. It's clear that George Santos should have never made it to Washington D.C., but now it’s up to all of us to protect the future of our country by doubling down on electing the people who will move us in the right direction.
People who are selfless, compassionate, authentic, willing to help, and above all, honest.
