Who to believe

One of the things oldet folks miss is being able to trust. Things like "I give you my word", and a promise with a handshake are a thing of the past it seems. In our personal lives and professional lives the last almost eight years have been every man and women for themselves. Nowhere is this seen more than in current American politics. A politicians word is automatically taken as a lie. Politically stated promises especially on yhe campaign trail are brushed aside automatically as bluster. There seems to currently be an epidemic of lying about one's sexual adventures as in Spitzer, Weiner.

When I lived in Tennessee in the early 90's a young republican ran for congress. I can't remember his name and he may even still represent the state. When the candidate felt that his might actually have a chance to win he called a news conference. The move was poltical gold. The future congressman let out every skeleton in the closet. Told about drugs alcohol, rehab, marital issues and how he paid for those as a young man learned from the mistakes and started a business that became successful in spite of having done all those potentially disqualifying acts. To my amazement the man won, having received the sympathy and respect of the public for showing them he struggled just like they did.

I certainly respected that. If I were to ever run I would have to have a reality show just to have the time to get the mass grave of things I have done out. I expect those that represent me to be real. I understand you're human and you might have to spank your kids or have a fight with your wife, that's life. I wish that we the public would stop trying to put people in office we feel are above reproach. I don't trust a squeaky clean individual. I find something abnormal with not having a few scars or phobias. These men and women we send up there should be like us. Imagine the mom or dad who's family member got sick and had to file for bankruptcy, that person understands insurance and the need for reform.

Honesty and purity are two different things. We keep wanting our elected officials to be pure instead of honest. I want honest. You cheated, got caught, confess, in a real way. Don't suggest you have some psychological problem because you wanted some strange, men get it. Sure there are behaviors and acts we can't tolerate of our representatives, but imagine how little a guy who's let it all out can be pressured or blackmailed. I want a person in office who really lived life. Can you name a presidential candidate that didn't come from means in the last twenty years? I say if you are considered rich stay rich and keep out of politics. If you have a particular gift at creating enterprises or managing foreign affair ok I'll give. I give you my word I'd prefer an honest person in the White House.