Political Suggestions

Hope you had a glorious Fourth. It makes it nice when our nation’s birthday falls on either a Friday or Monday. Mine was kind of quiet. I mowed the lawn, trimmed the shrubs, took a nap, watched a movie, took another nap, went on a long walk with the dogs. Whew! Now that the high temperatures have returned I’m getting tired just thinking of all I did on that somewhat cool holiday.

But the Fourth is now over. That means the politicians are now all geared up to do some really serious campaigning. You know, in this day and age, if you’re feeling lonely and unnoticed just make a donation to someone’s campaign. It doesn’t have to be much. But it will assure your email and your snail mail box is filled to the brim every day. I wouldn’t mind getting all that mail if they’d keep mailing me after the election, just to assure me I’m not just a means to an end.

Knowing the campaigning is cranking up, I’d like to address the would-be office holders, those that wannabe and those that already are.

First, when you put out those mailers and air those television commercials, don’t limit yourself to attacking your opponent. Here’s the thing: If I’m going to vote for your opponent I’m not going to listen to nor read your solicitations. I don’t want to know about your opponent’s weakness. I want to know about what you’re going to do when you get there.

Second, don’t quote the founding fathers unless you actually know what they said. You need to be aware that some of us had Mr. Schuller for our American History teacher and we know for sure what the founding fathers said and did not say. Please don’t put your words in their mouth.

Another thing, particularly if you manage to hold a national office. When those cable news people ask you a question, answer it. Answer it as though you are our representative in that national body. Don’t repeat what we just heard the senator from some state out west said. Whenever that great inventor of political party talking points sends you a list of them, toss it. You are my representative. I’d like to hear your answer.

During these next five months of campaigning, do you think it would be too much to ask if you and your opponents conduct yourself with a bit of dignity. My Mama said if you can’t say anything nice about someone body don’t say anything. So don’t repeat nor make veiled references to some alleged flaw in your opponent. I can’t speak for everyone, but I am more interested in your proposals, your character, your approach than I am your opponent.

Gracious, there are so many suggestions I have. But I know you’ve got to get on to that next speaking engagement and are pressed for time. So, let me finish with one other suggestion. Actually, it’s more of a request than a suggestion.

Decades ago I remember reading a news magazine article which made the observation that anyone running for a statewide or national political office has to have a bit of an ego. That’s not a criticism; it seems self-evident. In this regard would you please, after being elected, purchase some media time for your spouse? And during that time could your spouse tell us what would be the best way for us to deal with your ego?

Comments

[Allan R. Bevere]

This is an EXCELLENT post! Thanks!