Honesty: The qualities or condition of being honest; integrity.  Truthfulness; sincerity.    American Heritage College Dictionary.

“Honest people don’t hide their deeds.” Emily Bronte

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson

Honesty is perhaps most difficult for people in public service.  How to explain the lack of funds to start a project?  How to tell the truth knowing you will be criticized?  How to explain your purpose without any lies?  However, honesty in government at all levels is necessary in a democracy.  We, the people, need to know the truth, even when it is not pretty.  Follow the money.  Pay attention to the science.  Research and investigate.  We elect our city counsels, mayors, governors, legislators at all levels, and presidents with the information we are given.  To truly keep a democratic way of life we must all be honest.  Journalists ask questions expecting to receive an honest answer to pass on to their audience.

Our government is going through a trial right now.  We must elect honest people to continue the work of our ancestors and provide for the welfare of all our citizens.  Be completely honest with yourself when you vote.  Vote with honesty for honesty.

“The real things haven’t changed.  It is still best to be honest and truthful.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” Robert Louis Stevenson

“Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing is easier than flattery.” Fyodor Dostoevsky

“You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” Abraham Lincoln