Our American political scene is rather sad these days. Another government shut-down is being threatened because our elected politicians cannot reach consensus on anything. Democrats cannot agree with each other, The Great Illusionist is discussed in hush tones, around Capital Hill, about being "one and done" and the Republicans, well let's just say the entire party suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder. The Pachyderm Party cannot identify a leader and wouldn't recognize one if seen.
I would like to propose establishing a new and radical system for identifying political leaders. Why not assess potential Congressional, Senate or Presidential candidate by first evaluating their abilities to perform simple, every-day tasks?
Take, for example, the art of ironing. When a person irons they smooth out the wrinkles. A little steam may be required for more stubborn wrinkles, but, in the end, you end up with a wrinkle-free garment, much like situations that require removing wrinkles before reaching a smooth conclusion.
How about baking? In order to bake successfully, a person much follow a recipe to the letter. No fudging or adding or subtracting a little of this or that. Baking demands adhering, to-the-letter, to a set of prescribed instructions.
Another simple, every-day task that could be a determining factor for leadership ability is balancing a checkbook. Juggling household accounts involves making certain that there is enough "real" money with which to purchase food, gasoline, and clothing - basic necessities. When I balance my checking account, I must tally each and every zero because, to a household, recording every zero behind a number is paramount to success or disaster. I cannot just notate 12 billion in my checkbook ledger. I have to physically write out each zero or I will not balance.
Lastly, and perhaps, most importantly, hailing a taxi should be on any list of top-five appraisal tools. Hailing a taxi denotes the ability to pre-plan, to execute, and demonstrates hardiness when the elements are harsh and physically demanding. No wusses are successful in taxi-hailing. It takes a pioneer spirit to hail a taxi. The Little Lord Fauntleroys are the ones riding about in the stretch limos.
I want my leaders to know how to iron, grocery shop, hail a taxi, follow a recipe, balance a checkbook, assemble a Christmas present, and unplug a toilet. Not necessarily in that order. Find one for me - male or female - and I'll vote for that person.
Ancora imparo
