Gavel Gamut
By Jim Redwine
(Week of 03 August 2015)
GOOD DEEDS
A friend asked for my thoughts about running for a political office. I suppose it was not unreasonable to assume I might have some; I do.
There are two general classes of people whom I would advise to seek public service; those people I wish the worst for and those I think would do a good job. This friend falls into the latter class.
For those who would enhance my sense of schadenfreude by subjecting themselves to the slings, arrows and banality of vicious prevaricators masquerading as news media, political opponents and coffee shop pundits, I would say jump right in. My advice to friends with much to give and much to lose would be more judicious: serve for the good of the rest of us, but enter the fray fully aware the public eats its young.
I might point out our contemporary burnt offering, Donald Trump. I do not know Mr. Trump. I have never met him. I have not delved into his life’s story. However, thanks to his impolitic decision to enter politics I have been told he is a rapist, a misogynist, a racist, a blowhard and an all around buffoon. Please let me be clear. From what I have personally seen and heard of Mr. Trump’s positions, such as building a wall between the United States and Mexico as if we were Israelis imprisoning the entire Palestinian people, I could not vote for him. That does not mean I think he is the Devil’s gift to Hillary. His positions may be poorly thought out, but his character does not deserve to be assassinated just because he wants to enter public service.
This skewering of The Donald is one of the things I pointed out to my friend who inquired about the wisdom of becoming a sacrifice upon the altar of democracy. My friend’s many talents and generous nature would make for a healthier body politic. Unfortunately, the body of the public servant might suffer for its virtues.
The bottom line? Gird your loins up about you, dear friend, and kiss your happy life goodbye. For rest assured, you will certainly be punished for your good deeds.
Or, as the honorable judge has always done, run as a Democrat in a heavily Democrat county. He’s a fair and impartial judge, but his campaigning mettle has never been tested.
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