Authenticity, Appearance, and Beards - Oh My!

One of the hallmarks of the progressive movement is inclusivity - another is authenticity - yet another is the idea that we value the individual. When I campaigned, one of the foremost ideas of my race was that I was the authentic candidate, while my opponent was a facade covering an empty (or worse) shell.



So the feedback came to me before, during, and after the election (STILL coming to me TODAY), that I was unelectable because I wear a beard.



Given a choice between a candidate who you completely disagree with or a candidate with facial hair who you find greatly aligned with your politics, I think the fact that the facial hair is a make or break factor says VOLUMES about the state of democracy.



The bottom line is the progressives of southern Oregon have repeatedly voiced a desire to have me as a candidate, but to have me as something other than that which I have been for the past decade and a half. So my first act, prior to even getting the job, is to change myself to comply with others' wishes?



Gandhi said, "The means are the ends in the making."



If my authentic voice is what you seek in a candidate, if my authentic ideas are also sought, if my authentic energy and passion and drive are desired as a component part of my candidacy, then my authentic FACE is part of the deal too.