With the recent death of former Arizona Senator John McCain and the history of backlash against him in his political career, it brings up the question: Should death absolve someone from their political record?
Politicians are a hot topic in America. Many people heavily criticize politicians’ careers while they are alive, but then glorify them after their death.
When people pass away they leave a legacy behind. Sometimes it’s a good legacy, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and his work with the Civil Rights Movement. Other times it’s not, like Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. Both men have passed away, but are remembered by the public in very different ways.
Politicians are public figures meaning they should be aware of the fact that they are under the public eye and will be scrutinized for the actions that they take. In my opinion what you do should be remembered, whether good or bad.
It’s easy to focus on only one aspect of someone’s political career, especially if they have differing views and opinions from you. When evaluating the life of a politician, it’s important to look at every part of their career. There is a chance, though you may not generally agree with them politically, that they have achieved something in their career that you can stand behind.
For example, Nixon successfully removed troops from the Vietnam War and waged diplomatic ties with China and the Soviet Union. Although Nixon achieved some admirable things, he still made a mistake that he will be associated with, for as long as people remember him.
Some people believe that the bad things should be forgotten when someone passes away. Some people believe that political records should be wiped clean and the person should be fondly remembered. If we do such things, how do we choose what is forgivable and forgettable? Instead, I believe we should look at politicians holistically. What are all the things that they have done and achieved in their political career?
Death does not absolve someone of their political record. Instead, it gives us a chance to look back on their lives and reflect on what kind of human and politician they were.
