Why Principles Matter
This article is part of our Principled Voter series.
Does principle matter more than policy? In a democracy, it does.
“Always vote for principle . . . and you may cherish the sweet reflection that your vote is never lost.” — John Quincy Adams
Our country is unique. We are not defined by a common nationality, race, religion, or culture. Instead, we are held together — across our differences — by powerful ideas. “Sacred principles of the laws of nature,” like unity, democracy, equality, and freedom, are the sources of our strength, peace, and prosperity. They protect us.
What is at risk when our political leaders undermine those principles in pursuit of policy or ideological purity? They fracture the foundations of our society and threaten the pluralism that allows for our peaceful coexistence.
“We live in an age in which the fundamental principles to which we subscribe — liberty, equality and justice for all — are encountering extraordinary challenges. . . . But it is also an age in which we can join hands with others who hold to those principles.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
When core national values are being compromised, prioritizing policy is almost never to our advantage. Candidates who promise to accomplish political objectives at any cost are actually demanding unchecked power. Each time we relent, we give up a little more freedom and our democracy suffers.
Policy matters, but there are moments when it is critical that voters prioritize principle over policy.
We vote for how as well as what. Principled candidates never ask voters to disregard our sacred national principles in pursuit of policy. While differing on what, they acknowledge the restraints on their power and always uphold our national how.
Our votes are not simply a wishlist of policy to-dos, but a sign of our personal commitment to the principles and values that are foundational to our nation.
Principles matter. Hope votes.
