This is an election year.

The need for a statesman has never been greater, but it seems the supply of statesmen has never been lower. Unfortunately, it appears that the supply of politicians shows no shortage but an abundance.

A “politician” is the one who runs for office and considers it an all-important thing to win no matter what, where scheming and promising is done in order to get the votes. The promises and principles made to people are changeable to suit the audience he is talking to at the time. To the politician, the end justifies the means.

A “statesman,” on the other hand, would rather be right than gain the sought after office. He is a man of principles and does not compromise his principles or make promises to people in order to buy their votes. The statesman knows that this is the same as bribery. The statesman has integrity and will make decisions on matters because they are the right things to do for most all the people, not for special interest.

With the election coming up, seek out the statesmen. Our freedom and liberty depends upon it.

Rowland Hastings, Augusta