Where Left Is Right / The Old Site

In one of my other (non-political) incarnations, I recently received an email from someone at a small-town independent bookstore in Vermont. The subject of the email isn't material; what matters, for purposes of this post, is that one of the store's co-owners writes -- or used to write -- a column for the local monthly (!) newspaper.

One of these columns -- "Ideal Candidates Require Ideal Voters" -- struck a chord with me. In it, he lists twelve criteria for what he believes to be the ideal political office-holder (emphasis mine):

1. You can be wrong. If you are, say so. If there is a reason you were wrong, tell us what it was. Skip the spin. It insults both you and us.
2. Don't be afraid to lead. By virtue of your office, you will, and are expected to, understand the issues better than us voters. Make the right decisions based on that understanding then work hard to help us voters understand your decision. If we don't, consider the fact that you may be wrong. If you are not, stick to your guns. Such is leadership.
3. Don't pander. Consistently make your decisions based on what is right, in your best judgement, not on what is most popular, expedient, or vote producing.
4. Respect the voter's opinions. Notwithstanding my invocations to lead and not pander remember that opinions of us voters count, too. So make sure you explain what you are doing, then submit yourself fairly and openly for our approval or disapproval when reelection time comes. We'll promise to remember how hard you have worked for us and to judge you fairly, and on your whole record, not any single issue on which we might disagree.
5. Simplify, but don't stupefy. An important part of your job as an elected official is to explain to us voters what you are doing. Do so honestly, clearly and respectfully.
6. It is okay to be inconsistent as long as you have a sense of vision. We don't care what label the media puts on you only about the principled basis on which you have told us you would operate and which we used when deciding to elect you.
7. Give the other guy some credit. We'll respect you more if you admit when the other guy has it right, then show us your differences, if there are any.
8. Err on the side of compassion and good sense. Govern as you would parent, sensibly, thoughtfully and with a sense of forgiveness.
9. Try to think of yourself as a public servant not a politician. I know this concept seems outdated, but we voters still warm to it.
10. Compromise. Between black and white is gray. Gray is not an exciting color yet it is where good government of a diverse people must inevitably find itself. The most successful democratic leaders have not been the idealogues but pragmatists.
11. Work hard. You wanted the job. Take it seriously. Give it your best effort.
12. Tell us the truth. We will try to be mature enough to accept it.

Is that a great list, or what?