We Get What We Deserve

Notes of Concern…

   …Jack Blair

We Get What We Deserve

United States Senators

Everett Dirksen Barry Goldwater

Gayle McGee Hugh Scott

George Mitchell Mike Mansfield

Patrick Leahy Evan Bayh

Jacob Javits Ted Kennedy

Margaret Chase Smith John Danforth

I was fortunate to grow up when there were some outstanding men and women serving in Congress. As I prepared to write this week’s column I jotted down some names, men and women I have met who worked well with both sides of the aisle hammering out good legislation for Americans. This is not to meant to be an exhaustive list and I know my readers might choose to add or subtract from my list.

Of course my list could be considerably longer, especially if I included members of the House of Representatives like John Rhodes and Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisholm and so many others who worked hard and long in the trenches to learn to be better at their jobs.

Interestingly, these people paid attention, paid their dues, served multiple terms and worked their way up the ladder, just like in any good business, before they were given leadership roles.

We live in different times now. Some of the best people on my list chose to leave Congress because of what it was becoming. They were good people who took notice of the different type of candidate that was being elected.

We live in an age when one term Senators want to be President of the United States. In our time we neither value time in grade, considerable experience or even measurable legislative results.

No one becomes CEO of a major company after completing the one year training program. No consultant or trainer would ever suggest the route to the top in the corporate world is what we accept as good enough in the political world.

I am not addressing candidates who  are Governors of States because history has shown that preparation to be more all inclusive and helpful when one ascends to the presidency. I am sure their are examples but that is not the purpose of this column.

The Governors currently interested in being president are getting zero attention in the press and falling far short in the polls.

The 8x10 glossy Senators, the candidates with the best one liners, the folks who make the debates look like a reality show are getting the attention.

I know most people think this will all shake out in the end with the most qualified candidates being nominated and running a credible race.

You guys can write to me or email me because I have a bridge in Brooklyn  I am looking to sell you and it is a great deal!

The greatest people available in the Senate, the House and the Governorships are not running. Which means we will get a fairly mediocre president and continue the slide that began some years ago.

You will be reading this on Christmas and I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a prosperous new year.