10% U.S. Flat Tax Accross the Board!

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Hear, hear! +1.

Some of the sharpest candidates go down the tubes simply because they are perceived as "elitist" or "intellectual". The latter really makes me crazy, when people vote against a candidate because he or she seems intelligent.

Dave

When was there an intellectual candidate for president? Offhand I can't think of any. I don't think that they exist. The intellectual types I know all are clearly lacking in the charisma department. The few that have a modicum of charisma do not find politics of sufficient interest to hold their focus.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by bhunter

When was there an intellectual candidate for president? Offhand I can't think of any. I don't think that they exist. The intellectual types I know all are clearly lacking in the charisma department. The few that have a modicum of charisma do not find politics of sufficient interest to hold their focus.

Obama may be as close to one as we've had and he seems to be suffering from the affliction I bolded above.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by bhunter

When was there an intellectual candidate for president? Offhand I can't think of any. I don't think that they exist. The intellectual types I know all are clearly lacking in the charisma department. The few that have a modicum of charisma do not find politics of sufficient interest to hold their focus.

Could it be that you don't recall any, because they go away so quickly?

At any rate, the simple fact that so many decry the involvement of "academics" or "intellectuals" in our politics, says something.

(Think of G.W. Bush and his attempts to appear "folksy", a "Good ol' Boy Southerner".......Yet, he holds degrees from both Yale and Harvard. Two of the most liberal, "elitist intellectual", damn yankee universities in the world. Why would he do that, if he didn't think downplaying his education would help his presidency?)

Why is this, do you suppose? Why would anyone want leaders that strike them as uneducated oafs? That's what I don't understand. Is it because they are afraid that someone smarter than them might be "up to something" that they don't comprehend?

Just thinking aloud, and I'm curious to read your thoughts on this.

Dave

[d-ray657]

I remember, at least a couple of years before the '08 elections, John McCain appeared as a guest on Letterman. He opined that we are unable to recruit some of the best and brightest to public office, because they are "disincentivized" by the rough and tumble of politics.

Regards,

D-Ray

[BlueStreak]

Right.

I can't help but wonder how much brilliant talent has shied away from public service, because they aren't "folksy" enough, they had an extramarital affair, they have "unacceptable" spiritual beliefs, or they seem too smart (elite/intellectual)?

Maybe if we stopped worrying about such BS and concentrated on what matters, we wouldn't be in such a mess?

Dave

[painter]

Originally Posted by bhunter

When was there an intellectual candidate for president? Offhand I can't think of any. I don't think that they exist. The intellectual types I know all are clearly lacking in the charisma department. The few that have a modicum of charisma do not find politics of sufficient interest to hold their focus.

bhunter you have that right!


According to Albert Einstein...Growth should commence at birth and cease only at death. I know a couple intellectuals who always seem to work with facts and move on to multiple interests. The thirst for knowledge never ceases.
There is always room for great minds in government as advisers. Why do we tend to think we always elect those?

[finnbow]

Those that can't do teach. And those that can't teach go into politics. (No offense intended toward teachers. Just being my cute, normal self.)

[painter]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Those that can't do teach. And those that can't teach go into politics. (No offense intended toward teachers. Just being my cute, normal self.)

The first teacher you had...was your mother and she did a good job.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Obama may be as close to one as we've had and he seems to be suffering from the affliction I bolded above.

Sorry Finn, but an intellectual needs a body of work that can be read and analyze. Obama doesn't have that. If you know of any of his academic or other cerebral papers dealing with analysis and new ideas or concepts let me know. I have not been able to find any. I'll admit, he does have the facade of an intellectual albeit not quite as good as Senator Schumer.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by painter

The first teacher you had...was your mother and she did a good job.

Actually, it was my father, when he wasn't at work. Other times my two younger (but older than me) sisters Wendy and Kristi that raised me.

Mom had serious problems, unfortunately. Although, there were times when she was brilliant, between bouts of depression, when she wasn't on Valium or revved up beyond belief on a religious tyrade.

How's that Hendrix song go?

"....manic depressions a frustratin' mess.........."

Dave