There was a time in my life when all I could think about was being in the halls of power. As I get older, I realize more and more that such a thing is unrealistic. I lack most of what it takes to get elected: money charisma, and most important of all, arrogance. Think about it, most people running for office need to have a certain attitude about them. A true politician has to be able to meet the voter where they are, look them in the eye, and tell them why they should vote for him or her. It helps if one is a little bit arrogant when they say, "Vote for me, because I know what's best for you and I'm not afraid to do it".

Just this morning I found out there is an Independent candidate running for US House for South Dakota. His name escapes me, and that is part of the problem. He was in the Mitchell area talking to people, I was not among them, about what sets him apart. What he said was on the radio news. He has a plan to help keep himself in touch with the voters. Trouble is, he's gotta get elected first. That's hard to do when you are an Independent and nobody knows who you are. Once they do know you, then you're ready Step 2: be smart, but likable. It is very difficult for arrogant people to be both smart and likable. We haven't had a President like that since JFK. Since then, they've been one or the other, but never both.

In Minnesota, one of their districts has a race for US Representative that is like ours. The challenger has started to go negative because her positive case is not strong enough. It's as if she is saying, "Vote for me because the incumbent is no good". It's too bad we can't vote for somebody rather than against somebody else!

So no, I don't see me as a candidate for office. If I ran for Hyde County dog catcher, I could only count on two votes, mine and Mrs. Luze's. But once I locked up her dog, she'd wanna impeach me. Same old story! Still not being in the ring is OK. The voter is the most important part of the political process, and I won't give that up as easily.