Character matters to me. It’s what I value most about myself because it’s a currency I control, and I have strong feelings about human decency. We learn about what character means and what contributes to it as early as kindergarten. As we get older, we continue to apply this early learning to real-life, grade-appropriate behaviours and scenarios.

Life-long learning at its best!

But as the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” – the same applies here. A person can learn something and not apply it—either by choice or because it doesn’t matter to them. For me, it’s like fractions. I choose not to do fractions because I don’t like them, and rarely do I need to do fractions in my day, so they don’t matter to me.

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I didn’t sit down this morning with a plan to write. I just had an overwhelming need to. Peter, my husband, sent me a small snippet from an article that has me spinning. It’s an interview with the next President of the US in Time magazine. The snippet is below if you want to read it.

I’m spinning because of my beliefs, which are a fundamental part of my character. What does that mean? Well, let me explain in typical Erin fashion.

Actions have consequences. Do you recall learning that when you were a kid? I do.

Yet, as time passes, many people seem to ignore this or simply forget because they have been lucky or privileged.

Every decision we make has a consequence—good or bad. I don’t think I need to provide examples; we’re all grown-ups who should understand the basic principles of this concept by now. If you need a refresher, let me know; I’m always happy to share. Sharing is caring (another great lesson from childhood).

Here’s another one from our childhood…

If you make a promise, you keep your promise. I promise to take my shoes off when I enter the house. So I take my shoes off when I enter the house. It’s that simple. 

I hold this dear because breaking a promise erodes credibility and the ability to trust. Breaking a promise says so much about what you stand for, what you believe in, and who you (really) are as a person. It’s your character. And character SHOULD matter.

…Peter and I raised our kids to understand that their actions have consequences and that “we never break promises.” We believe deeply in what our character says about us—who we are and how we want to show up for others. This is a non-negotiable in our home.

So, why did I get on a soap box this morning to share my thoughts on the importance of character?

I have 77,269,255 reasons why.

This is the number of people who voted T into the Oval in the 2024 election.

This is the number of people who believed T’s promises, even those he made in 2016 and broke (but campaigned on again in 2024).

This is the number of people who put the cost of gas before human rights. Before their family. Before their neighbour.

This is the number of people who don’t prioritize the basic, fundamental rights of over 168M women.

I could go on.

I am not questioning the character of these 77,269,255 people but rather applying my value of character to their choice in the last election.

Before I get into it, I want to say that you don’t have to like what I am writing. You don’t have to agree. This is my opinion, and I welcome your comments (but be respectful—remember, character matters) if you want to share.

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Back to the 77,269,255…

I think that it will be interesting to see how 77,269,255 people react to the broken promises made to them in 2024. Will they continue to ignore the facts and live under false hope? Will they continue to lower their red baseball caps to stay ignorant of the lies they believe in? Or will the rising cost of necessities (post-January 2025) like food and gas finally shine a light on the fact that these promises were never intended to be kept?

And what about that simple childhood lesson that actions have consequences? Will those same 77,269,255 people realize that it was their action (picking a convicted felon, a person who can’t keep a thought or make a cohesive remark) in a position to make decisions that will have a global impact?

Will they understand that their actions have consequences for all of us? It’s not just about the 77,269,255; it’s about the 8+B people who will be impacted. Think about some of the basics…

Removal of basic, fundamental human rights

The rising cost of necessities like healthcare, food, and electricity

The relationship with global allies is growing weaker every day

The erosion of truth and integrity in leadership and lessons our children are learning

I could go on, but I shouldn’t have to. Stopping here should be where the line is drawn—not just for me but for everyone. (I wanted to stop after human rights, but the others are important, too)

I know not all of these issues were concerns of the 77M or even part of their decision. Some folks care about human rights, but gas prices are more important to them than the rights of their children. Some want better immigration AND want to ensure their daughters can abort the fetus that will most likely cause her death, but is more fearful of their dogs and cats being eaten out of their yard because the news prioritizes false stories.

All joking aside, 77,269,255 said, “This is my guy.” 

“THIS. IS. MY. GUY.”

They picked him—regardless of why, he is their guy. It doesn’t matter if I, or anyone else, agrees with the choice. But, and let me be uber clear, every single one of the 77,269,255 people who picked him needs to live with the consequences of their actions.

We ALL need to live with the consequences of their actions for the next 4+ years.

Here’s the thing—choices like this aren’t about winning or losing. They’re about who we want to be as a society. Do we want to be people who value decency, kindness, and truth? Or do we want to continue where character and promise-keeping no longer matter?

For me, character does matter.

It matters when it comes to promises made. It matters when it comes to actions taken. It matters when accepting and living with the consequences of my actions.

And it SHOULD matter when it comes to the consequences that impact our health, our ability to get married, get divorced, have a family or not, read a book, celebrate love, not have the child of a rapist, and afford medical care for our aging parents and children. It should matter when it impacts the well-being of our veterans and seniors.

I’ll get off my soapbox now, but I do hope this gives you something to think about. And if it doesn’t, that’s ok. Now, go check on your dog, put on your red baseball cap and go buy your beloved gas.

E.