Why on Earth Would I want to be President?

There are three reasons people go into politics. The first two suck, but are the most common, and then there is the third.

1- Power. Let’s face it. Power is alluring as all get out. There are people who crave it, need it as if they are not complete without it. It’s like a drug knowing you hold the fate of others in your hands. In truth, they really aren’t complete without it. They become amazingly miserable really fast when it’s gone. One has only to look at the high suicide rate among military retirees who reached the top ranks on the enlisted and officer sides to see evidence of this.

2- Money. There is still money in politics. For some they seek to make their fortunes through the high salaries politicians draw, others through bribes, kickbacks, and graft, and others through a combination.

Before I go any further I just want to share a quote from one of my favorite authors.

“Three things drive people: power, sex, and money. Power is sexy, sex is powerful, and money will buy you both.
Robert Heinlein

So true for so many. So sad really. Just look at President Clinton for evidence of this.

3- To make a difference. This is where I fall. I look at this country, my home that I love, and I see so much that is wrong and so much that could be made better. It is my dream to bring America to greater heights of glory, power, peace, prosperity, harmony, and tranquility. I want to preserve what is good while replacing what is bad and fixing what is faulty. I want to do it for my family and myself, of course, but also for everyone living in the US, and all who dream of living here. There are few legacies for a life that I can think of that are better than leading a country to greatness even the most optimistic never hoped to see. I know this dream is unlikely to happen, but it is mine and I will work for it. I AM working for it.

I know. The most common rebuttal to this is that the dreamer is really just selfishly trying to be remembered by history. Personally, I couldn’t care less. I am a man like any other, and as such am as forgettable as everyone else no matter what I do. How many Presidents, no matter how great, are commonly known anyway? Most people would be hard pressed to name five from before their time.

Being President is indeed a thankless job subject to much cruelty and unfair criticism. But I am willing to subject myself to that if it means I can do a great service for my country. The only true uncertainty here is; will the American people choose me, of all people, to do this? I would consider it a great honor if they did.