However, they differ in significant ways. Two base metals combine to make brass, an alloy. Gold contains no other metal, making it pure. Brass has many uses but does not measure up to the higher standard of gold.

Not everything that glitters is gold. Polished brass will glisten like gold, but gold retains the highest standard. Gold’s unique qualities and rarity increase its value over mere brass.

In the present presidential contest, the candidates from each political party polish their images in an attempt to appear as gold. Yet, careful examination reveals them as no better than polished brass.

In an attempt to capitalize upon the conservative mood of the country, they portray themselves as conservatives. They emphasize positions they hold in common with a conservative viewpoint. They stress their activities to defend these beliefs in the past and promise to uphold them in the future. Unfortunately, their histories as political representatives reveal them as brass, not gold.

The present contenders participated in the expanding effect of government’s role in the lives of its citizens. The results have decreased individual responsibility and freedom, leading to people’s increased dependence upon (and slavery to) the government.

These nominees have supported financial policies that contributed to the nation’s present financial calamity. Entitlements expanded, not only in new ways but also in higher costs, during their times as political representatives. Their cooperation with previous proposals that conflicted with conservatism contributed to the nation’s present unsustainable debt levels. They succumbed to legalized bribery and sweetheart deals that blinded their eyes.

The candidates’ attempts to defend their past ring hollow. They flip-flop on issues to cover over their past positions. They propose ideas that they hope will convince voters of their devotion to conservative principles.

In the end, scrutiny confirms the true identity of today’s nominees as brass, not gold.

The ills of the nation cry out for a leader with rare, valuable, golden qualities. These features include a record of supporting people’s individual responsibility and opportunity, unmixed with compromise for entitlements, and expansion of debt. Honesty and integrity outweigh expediency. This leader identifies bribery and its associated ills and rejects them. Truth reigns instead of the temporary advantages of deception.

America has suffered the ill effects of polished brass long enough. As Al Michaels stated at the USA’s rare hockey triumph in the 1980 Winter Olympics, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”