Much has been said about which candidate is qualified to be president; in fact, recently the rhetoric has been quite heated. Because there is no way to place a positive attitude on anything related to politics, the next best thing is to tell the truth. None of the parties, or their candidates, are able to do this. Politics is all about telling voters what they want to hear; in other words, all politicians and their followers are basically liars. They will change anything they have said or done to satisfy the perceived desires of their current audience.

Why would anyone put themselves in the position of trying to please everyone who elected them to some office? There are several reasons, none of them I would want for myself or any of my family or close friends. Successful politicos are narcissistic, ego-centered, and greedy for power and, more importantly, MONEY! Those who are elected have somehow convinced other people to part with billions of dollars to put elected officials (themselves) in office, usually expecting special favors or votes on some issue dear to the contributors. There is no way to stop this ridiculous money drain; no officeholder is going to ever vote for a foolproof law limiting campaign contributions. To do so would restrict their ability to build a lucrative career using public funds to insure a comfortable life and ultimate retirement. Who wouldn’t enjoy all the perks they get: high pay, servants at every turn, parties, free trips, magnificent health insurance, and lifetime retirement benefits. Some, like the president, will have a personal staff and Secret Service security as long as they live, all paid for by taxpayers.

I don’t begrudge any of these things. If there were competent people running for office, who want to look out for those who elect them rather than for what they get for themselves, I will willingly pay my share. They would deserve whatever benefits there are. But, in most recent elections, there have been no people seeking office who have what I consider to be proper qualifications for high office, especially president. Only those capable of raising unbelievable amounts of money can run, which eliminates most honest people who would be willing to give of themselves for the public good. Consider some of the ridiculous people we elected in the last 50 years including Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, two of the worst. In the present election I am seriously considering voting for the spirit of my best Golden Retriever who died a few years ago. She is my Shamanistic Spirit Guide and more capable than anyone running now. I’ve never failed to exercise my privilege and obligation to vote, so I’ll vote for someone in November, though I don’t think anyone running deserves to be president.

This comes back to our question, “Who’s Qualified to be President of the US?”

No one is except a former president; and some of those aren’t qualified. It’s like getting your first job when they ask, “What experience have you had?” You haven’t had any, so you have to hope some prospective employer will give you a chance. So it is with a presidential candidate. Unless they are a former president, neither is qualified.

So what should someone have that might indicate their ability to be president (note that I don’t say “qualify” them to be president)? The answer is leadership training and experience. But what is leadership? Leadership is about organizing and directing human activities in such a manner as to contribute in some way to the good of society in general. If the leader is successful they may  receive personal gain as monetary reward, but more important is that leaders will also receive the satisfaction of knowing the world is better because of their efforts. This begs the question, “How do you become a leader?” Some are born with the abilities they need to successfully lead. Others are taught to become capable leaders. A good example of leadership training is the military. They have developed the means to produce large numbers of great leaders in every rank on a continuing basis. I went into the Army after completing college and immediately entered an Infantry Officer

I may write in my dog’s spirit name after all.