A political fervor…

Day 3, and I’m not burned out just yet (I know, it’s early in the daily game). Today’s question is a hot one: 3. Would you ever want to run for political office? Why or why not? *pulls on his asbestos pants* *leans in closer to the microphone on the podium* “No.”

Have I ever given any serious thought to running for political office? That one’s more of a ‘maybe, just a little’ kind of answer. There are many reasons why I would… but they are extremely counterbalanced by the reasons why I never will. Some of those reasons are:

1. Public speaking. While it doesn’t bug me as much as when I had to take it in college, public speaking is still something I consider extremely uncomfortable. Like well past the level of wearing underwear 2 sizes too small for you. If I wanted to sweat profusely while stumbling over a speech I’ve spent hours memorizing, I’d just go order fast food. (okay, it’s not that bad any more… but it used to be when I was a kid)
2. Suits. I’m not a guy built for suits. I’m tall and overweight… 2 combinations that would mean extra expense at the Men’s Wearhouse. While I have worn a suit before (got one for my H.S. graduation gift), and have also worn dress shirts and ties (can still tie a good ‘ol classic Windsor knot), it doesn’t mean I want to. I can’t stand to have things on or even close to my neck (choking phobia?), and I tend to run hot (as soon as the temps hit 50° F after winter, I’m back in shorts).
3. I’m poor.  Apparently, you need money to run for office… who knew? I don’t see anybody giving me any, and I’m pretty sure I’m not inheriting any… so…
4. I’m completely against bipartisan politics. I absolutely hate that our political process has devolved into a 2-party system. After watching CGP Grey’s fascinating series on political and voting systems, it’s difficult not to see how we’ve done many things incorrectly in this country (the U.S., for those that may still be wondering). Being forced into a system that caters to only black and white choices seems wrong to me. There are many people that live in a world of grey choices… things aren’t always limited to an either/or situation… and I think our politics and the political system has forgotten that. There are too many politicians that are riding party lines… whether that’s just easier or an actual choice, we may never know.
5. I’m scared of politics. While it would be interesting to see what I could possibly do for my constituents, I’m afraid of what happens behind closed doors.  We hear about the corruption and greed abundant in all aspects of political life… money changing hands for favors… big businesses spending millions to change popular opinion… overspending… budgeting… etc… etc… It’s frightening. Then you look at all of that and I have to ask myself, “Why would you want to be inundated with any of that?” And the answer always comes back, “I wouldn’t.” So, I don’t.

None of that addresses things like the grossly horrific Electoral College voting system we have, or the way our government spends its (read: our) money, or even how much politics is ingrained in human life. The struggle for power between a few people to make life and/or death decisions for anywhere from a few hundred to millions and billions of people. While interesting in discussion (as long as the people discussing it are aware of the fact that it’s possible to disagree about certain things), politics isn’t something that I am willing to put myself through.

It was also something never really addressed in my family growing up. Not sure if it was just ‘something that others did’, or what. I’m filled with opinions and ideas about how politics should be handled, but that’s not what this blog is all about. It’s about writing, and getting ideas across in words… something politics should strive for, in my humble opinion. (damn, it came back to politics)

What do you think? Would you make a great senator? A well-respected mayor? Do you stay away from politics like the plague? Let me know in the comments.

See you tomorrow.