Slim Pick'ns!

The last sitting Senator to be elected President of the United States was John F. Kennedy.

When the current election season started, we had a number of Senators vying for the office, but also a few prominent current or past Governors, and a former mayor of New York City. One of the former Governors also had successfully planned and executed an Olympics... no small feat considering the construction, security and logistics involved over numerous years.

But now, we are basically down to two Senators to choose from: one Republican and one Democrats. By the time November rolls around, they will have done everything in their power (and the power of their war chests) to make people believe they have had much more actual experience than they truly have. They will still be "just" Senators.

I don't mean to belittle Senators. They are a significant part of our government, a pillar of the Legislative branch. Their name and responsibilities hearken back to the Roman Empire, and the first Senate.

But as superior a legislative body the Senate is, it is fairly easy to be all things to all people over time. Like John Kerry, it is no big trick to be able to say you were for something before you were against it. The way bills are crafted, with amendments and riders... it is nearly impossible for the common citizen to truly know what his Senators stand for and represents.

The sad fact is, many of them only truly stand for themselves and their re-election.

And let us not forget, they are not held accountable for their results. It is all too easy for our congressman to avoid responsibility when bills they voted for or even sponsored go wrong, have unintended effects or are later ruled unconstitutional.

Governors, mayors and businessmen are ultimately and immediately accountable when things go wrong (they seldom get the credit when things go right, however). Chief executives, of government or business, must be cognizant of the bottom line. They must achieve results. They have run large organizations and have the experience we should want in the highest office in the land.

Obama has only organized campaigns for his political pursuits. He hasn't had to make a profit, nor has he been responsible actually run something.

Hillary (who may end up on the Democratic ticket as the VP candidate?) likewise has only been a Senator, an occasional lawyer and investor, and a spouse. Granted, keeping Bill Clinton's many faults obscured, and his scandals controlled counts for some experience, but not like running a business or state.

McCain, led people in combat and in non-combat military positions for a 22 year career. He acted honorably and courageously while in combat and even more so while in captivity as a Prisoner of War. But, almost immediately after retiring from the Navy, he went into politics, first as a US Representative, then a Senator. Aside from the military, he also has never been accountable to be a chief executive of something, ultimately responsible.

The office of the President of the United States of America is arguably the most powerful and important position in the world. Decisions made by the President affect nearly everyone on the planet, and certainly every American... good or bad, permanently or temporarily. It is a position for a proven, seasoned veteran of executive management and leadership, not an intern. It isn't an entry-level executive position. We elect someone inexperienced at our own peril... unfortunately the field of contenders at this point in 2008 doesn't contain anyone thusly qualified.


CP