America is today faced with incredible threats and challenges coupled with an inexcusable lack of servant leadership. The confidence of our citizens in government and elected officials has reached an all-time low, as has trust between the government and the population. When I reluctantly entered my name as a candidate for the office of President, I did so because of these realities, not due to any political ambition on my part.

But, sadly, this is not the norm. The truth is out in the open for all to see, even though many of us prefer to pretend that it isn’t there. In our society, it is politics – the pursuit and retention of power – that permeates government.

An entire industry exists that is devoted to helping ambitious individuals gain elected office. Pollsters, image consultants, analysts, campaign managers and political parties, none of whom were elected by the People, all have influence with candidates – even once they are elected. This is especially true for the highest office in the land – the Presidency.

The result is that when a decision is made, there are other considerations in play besides what is best for the American People: How will this affect my reelection? Will I offend any large donors of cash for my next campaign? What do my advisors tell me is good for my career? All questions that should have nothing to do with performing a service to the people.

While it may generally be a good idea to allow qualified leaders to seek reelection for a particular office, there can be little doubt that the risks outweigh the rewards in these turbulent times.

We cannot risk electing someone that will allow their personal ambitions to cloud their thinking on the issues that affect us all. And we cannot wait four years to reelect that individual so that they feel comfortable taking actions that may offend some people.

For these reasons, I pledge to the American People that, if elected, I will only serve one term. My focus at all times will be on what is best for the American People, and I will at every opportunity seek their input to help guide my decision making.

I am not perfect, and I will make some mistakes. These mistakes, however, will at no time be due to a conflict of interest with political ambitions on my part.

This issue is larger than me. Despite an honest belief that I am the most qualified candidate on the stage, and despite my confidence that the American People will come to see this by Election Day, someone else might be elected. If so, the American People have the right to expect no less from him or her. Indeed, as citizens we should demand it.

That is why I have issued a challenge to the other candidates to join me in signing a pledge to seek only one term in office. I have mailed this pledge to candidates that provide mailing addresses and have emailed it to several others that do not. I repeat it now, to all candidates, in the public forum: Stand with me in a pledge to forsake politics and the pursuit of power and “Put America First.”

I do not doubt that there are those on the stage who do not wish to agree to any such thing. Some may feel that they have no choice. Others may believe that they have nothing to lose, while still others might even agree that it is a good idea. Whether or not a candidate signs this pledge is a good indication of their motives for seeking the job. What America needs is decisive, unbiased and unencumbered leadership. It is highly questionable that a candidate who would not sign this pledge can provide that.

– John McAfee

Image credit: Media Day Open Office Hours / M Dean Jones