The best-suited don’t run

Several years ago, I got a call asking if I would take part in a poll. Bored, I said sure. The woman on the other end then asked me what I though was the most important issue in the governor’s race: restricting access to abortion, protecting Second Amendment rights or reducing taxes. I told her, none of the above.

There was silence.

Then in a sarcastic tone she asked, “Well then, what is the most important issue to you?”

“Whether or not the person can govern.” Another silence followed by a flustered, “This was paid for by the Kilgore campaign; thank you very much.” Then she hung up on me.

Eight years on, this is, as far as I am concerned, the most important issue in every election. The so-called issues are almost always made up by the party and candidate and seldom reflect the actual needs of actual people.

I don’t care if the candidate loves his wife and children or calls his mother every day, nor do I care if he is a skirt-chasing party animal. Can the person in question do the job he is running for? Can he govern?

The No. 1 problem in politics today is not corporations buying elections, though that is bad enough. No, the No. 1 problem is that the most egotistical people put themselves forward, as opposed to the most qualified either being promoted or stepping forward on their own.

Consequently, the people who do step forward push their agenda instead of doing the people’s work.

Covering up the exposed breast on the state seal is not doing the people’s work.

Harassing scientists who support the notion of global warming is not doing the people’s work.

Opposing federal laws is not doing the people’s work.

Pushing your own religious views on reproduction and sexuality is not doing the people’s work.

Trying to reinstate obsolete laws about sexual behavior is not doing the people’s work.

It’s pushing a personal or a party agenda.

Weather Journal

5 hours ago

1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County 

2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day

3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys

4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping 

5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football 

6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen

7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust

8. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli 

9. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible

10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area