Running for President of the United States is an honor and a privilege that many people won’t get the opportunity to pursue. I hope offer a real alternative to issues that matter to me, and you reading this starts that ball rolling. But, pursuit of idealist views and a brighter tomorrow are not my only motivation.
Our household income is less than $150,000. When I left my last job in 2008, I became the “housewife”, my wife is the breadwinner. The yearly salary of the job of Commander in Chief (CinC) is THREE times as much. I would be lying if I said this did not have an effect on my decision. I am currently running a “charity”, so to speak, by running the house. I would not necessarily want to start another. My wife and I decided my next job will have to have a salary. I have looked at a couple options, but this one would pay a BIT more…
And when you look at it, the salary of the CinC is pennies to some. Especially when you consider hours worked vs. pay. Look at the last two two-term Presidents. Each, in the span of 8 years, went from middle-aged father to grey-haired granddaddy! The toll this job takes on the person seems to be enormous, and no pay would seem to be a good compensation.
This job demands so much because so much is in their care. It is a HUGE responsibility… it is, after all, the defense of the “last best chance for humanity”.
When we hear about a new candidate for President, it is usually announced via an “exploratory committee” to investigate the possibility, then the wealthy individual has to divest from their companies in order to not enrich themselves through this position.
The position of President has become a “joke” in this way. “Will you run for President?” “I can’t afford the PAY CUT!” “Ha, ha, ha….”
Hmmm…. Good joke. Excuse me while I pawn my guitar so I can put gas in the van until payday this week. Pardon me while I figure out what DECADE I will finally get my mortgage out from underwater and, maybe, break even after all the blood, sweat and tears I’ve put into modernization and renovation. I’ll laugh about that one as I wait in line to pay more for my insulin this year.
My family and I stand to do better financially just from the salaried position of CinC. As I see it, EVERY family will stand to do better, though.
I believe the Consumer Protection Agency is a GREAT thing.
I believe the new tax structure is insane and believe it should be changed in 5 years when the current structure is set to expire.
I believe in paid maternity leave for BOTH parents.
I believe in alternative energy independence for individual residences.
I believe we all have a responsibility to prepare for climate change.
I believe we should offer Statehood to our island nations, to ensure future natural disasters are treated with the same importance as ones that occur in Kansas.
I believe that mental health care, dental, and vision should be included in your insurance.
I believe our public education system is capable of SO MUCH MORE and should be FULLY FUNDED to reignite a desire to become an educator, and to give our future a strong foundation to build upon.
We all have the chance to gain more, just by uniting under the simple idea that we can GOVERN OURSELVES! Whether or not I get the chance to move any piece of legislation, the goal of Ending The Electoral College is sufficient enough for me. Once we remove money from our election system, the rotten smell will slowly disappear, along with the super-pacs and think-tanks.
Let me know what you think. I’m not doing this for my benefit… and that’s not lip service… If I didn’t feel I had a very good idea that can change SO MANY PEOPLE’s lives for the better, I would not be running for ANY office. My wife suggested I start with a House run or Senate bid. That’s how it works. I GET it. I see this as a unique time, and a solution to the our problem became crystal clear to me. One that has not been offered in an achievable way. I need to be finishing my house repairs, tending to my two boys’ needs, caring form my wife so she can be successful in her career as a cardiac nurse, and… AND take care of my newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. I got a full plate as it is. A political career is NOT usually top of my list.
John McCain’s last public speech spoke to me. He spoke of being a rebellious young man, then growing up and finding he needed to give something back to that system that gave him the ABILITY to be that rebellious young man. As an Eagle Scout, I can understand that desire. That love of THIS country, is a beautiful anomaly. People are ready to fight and DIE for the belief that you should be allowed to SPEAK YOUR OPINION FREELY without fear, Right now! Some guy in a bar has had one too many three hours ago and is ready to go…. And EVERYONE has YOUR back. Every time someone wants to shut someone else up, everyone stops and PAYS ATTENTION. Usually, someone shouts “Let ’em speak!”
THAT’S the Country I know. That’s where I come from. And THAT’S the face I want standing at the helm, steering this ship…. not the guy at the bar… BUT, now that I think about it, “he would be BETTER than the LAST TWO CANDIDATES!” “Ha, ha, ha….”
Now, the real wisdom comes from knowing, if that was a joke or not.
Keep your head UP!!
JC
End The Electoral College NOW!! 