Roy Paul - Pre-election Promises, Post-election Policies lyrics

On the heels of co-moderating a New York City mayoral forum geared towards the millennial generation, I find myself wondering if the promises made will be the promises kept. Yes, all of the candidates are very polished - they know their talking points and they can recite them with humor. But do they really mean what they say? Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery gave a rousing speech at the funeral service for Ms. Coretta Scott King. In his remarks he said, "In the morning, will words become deeds that meet needs?" At the end of the day, all the public looks for and expects of every single candidate is that their promises turn into policy. Nothing more, nothing less. While much of the organizing and mobilizing on the ground is targeted towards getting people out to vote in primary and general elections, the real effort needs to be around making sure that those who are engaged before the election, stay engaged after the election, because that's when we will know if the candidates will keep their word. Will they really create that department or position? I know they stated how important "A" program was, but will they keep the funding necessary to make it work at its optimal level? They said that young people are important, but how many opportunities in terms of employment and access to quality and affordable services did they create for them? The questions that are asked to decipher where the candidates stand before the election, are just as if not more importantly asked after the election to ensure that they follow through with their word. That is how you keep them honest. Because truly, real candidate evaluation can only take place after he or she is elected, with the proof of the pudding being in the actions that they undertake. Like our dreams, their campaign promises must become reality. Only then will we really know the true fabric of that person. With actions speaking much louder than words, at this juncture we can only closely evaluate their words and make the most intelligent choice that is discernable, until we're privy to their action if they're elected. --- Roy Paul made history at the age of 19 by being the youngest African-American to be elected to a school board in New York State. You can learn more about him at www.roy-paul.com