Politics
Posted 16-05-2008 at 02:04 by Laz
Here in the USA, we're in the middle of the presidential election race. In November, we will also elect all of our Representatives (House of Commons?) and a third of our Senators (House of Lords?).
When discussing almost every election, people always ask: "Why do we have to choose between these candidates? Why don't better people run for office?"
Well, being a politician is like being a B-movie actor. You work hard, you're underpaid, people think they might know you, and if you're recognized, people usually want something from you. Only a handful of these "actors" become A-list performers. Except that when you're a senior Senator or even the President, you get to work even harder, earn less respect, have a lot more stress, and then have to go out on the campaign trail to get re-elected. At least real actors have agents to campaign for them. On the plus side, eventually the money gets good, but not from your primary job. You earn extra cash from book deals, speaking tours, and insider knowledge.
Almost always, the best and brightest stay out of public office. Unless they're a Kennedy or Bloomberg, and have already made their fortune, smart and talented people go into business and make lots of money. Why didn't Colin Powell run for the presidency 8 years ago? He was smarter than that.
So next time you have the urge to complain about how the town/state/federal government doesn't get things done to your satisfaction, ask yourself: Would you run for office? I know I wouldn't.
When discussing almost every election, people always ask: "Why do we have to choose between these candidates? Why don't better people run for office?"
Well, being a politician is like being a B-movie actor. You work hard, you're underpaid, people think they might know you, and if you're recognized, people usually want something from you. Only a handful of these "actors" become A-list performers. Except that when you're a senior Senator or even the President, you get to work even harder, earn less respect, have a lot more stress, and then have to go out on the campaign trail to get re-elected. At least real actors have agents to campaign for them. On the plus side, eventually the money gets good, but not from your primary job. You earn extra cash from book deals, speaking tours, and insider knowledge.
Almost always, the best and brightest stay out of public office. Unless they're a Kennedy or Bloomberg, and have already made their fortune, smart and talented people go into business and make lots of money. Why didn't Colin Powell run for the presidency 8 years ago? He was smarter than that.
So next time you have the urge to complain about how the town/state/federal government doesn't get things done to your satisfaction, ask yourself: Would you run for office? I know I wouldn't.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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Have you actually decided whether you would prefer Obama or Clinton as candidate for that party or whether you've already decided McClain would be getting your vote? Personally i'd say black or woman would be the way forward, simply because it would show that America does want change, in my opinion in the international political world it would be seen as the much more positive move and that the people of America are sick of having the stereotypical leader that is synonymous with American politics.Posted 19-05-2008 at 10:56 by Detomah
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McCain acknowledged that the fall election will be a referendum on the war in Iraq, so I am unlikely to vote for him, as I think this war was a mistake. The other significant issue will be the economy, and I'm not sure the Democrats can manage that too well. Clinton does have more experience, but she is so strident that she's hard to tolerate. Obama has promise, but there are details missing. If I had to vote today, I'd take my chances with Obama. Ask me again in October.Posted 19-05-2008 at 15:54 by Laz
