January 15, 2008
Quid Pro Quo
Vol. 3
Issue 2
Endorsements have been something that
people have been seeking forever. Whether
they are of a personal nature to
substantiate one's character or in the
business world
for a product or service. When these
endorsements are given, they usually are
presented freely without the endorser
expecting much in return.
However, in the political arena,
endorsements are usually Quid Pro Quo; you
wash my
back and I'll wash yours. Over the years, we
have seen numerous endorsements by
newspaper and magazine editorial boards,
labor unions, religious groups and other
organized groups and associations.
In the past, we have witnessed trial
lawyer groups endorsing a candidate hoping
for a
favorable outcome when it came time for tort
reform. We have seen teachers and
police unions putting their stamp of
approval on a candidate looking for
additional
funds in the classroom or to fight crime. We
have experienced labor unions looking for
favorable legislation to help their members.
The endorsements that seem important to
the current Presidential candidates, from
both parties, are from respected members of
their party. However, some have turned
out to be a surprise. Especially this past
week, when Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), former
presidential candidate endorsed Barack
Obama, which appeared to be a quick slap in
the face to John Edwards, his former running
mate.
If that seemed like a surprise to you, it
was not to me. It has been my opinion that
their
was never any love lost between the two
former candidates, even during the campaign
of 2004. Kerry and Edwards have had a
strained relationship since the early part
of the
2004 race. During the campaign, it appeared
as though Edwards was running for
President not best man. I just didn't expect
Kerry's endorsement to happen so soon in
the campaign. I wonder if it has anything to
do with trying to knock Hillary Clinton out
of the race early. I can only imagine what
would happen if during half-time at this
years super bowl, Al Gore, in a
thirty-second commercial, endorses Obama—of
course
their is no love lost between Al and Hillary
either. If you are a Clinton fan, that would
be as painful as the Patriots losing in the
playoffs and not even making the game after
having a perfect season.
Let us turn to Hollywood, the big
announcement that really didn't surprise
anyone,
including yours truly, was Oprah's
endorsement of Obama. She even went on the
campaign trail with him. The 'O" factor
usually elevates books to best seller
status.
However, can it help elect a president? Does
Oprah want to be Secretary of State?
The backlash from this is Oprah has now
fallen to second place in the ratings behind
Ellen DeGeneres. I imagine her viewers have
expressed how they felt about her
meddling in politics-- way to go Ellen!
Chuck Norris has endorsed Mike Huckabee;
I guess he wants the government to place
a Total Gym in every home in America.
John Edwards is trying to be quiet about
Harry Belafonte’s pat on his back. Maybe he
is embarrassed by Harry's public comments
with Chavez at his side stating that,
"George Bush is the greatest terrorist in
the world." Why would you want to align
yourself with someone who appears to have
anti-American sentiments?
Donny and Marie Osmond are backing Mitt
Romney.
I wonder what brought that
about?
Here is the one I really like; Jenna
Jameson, Best Selling Author of "How To Make
Love Like A Porn Star", and a former porn
star herself, has endorsed Hillary Clinton.
She told Newsweek magazine, (Dec. 27, 2007),
"The Clinton administration was the
best years for the adult industry, and I
wish that Clinton would run again." Is she
looking for a job as an intern?
Besides the political and Hollywood
endorsements, it seems that endorsements are
coming out of the woodwork quite rapidly.
Last week, the Nevada state council of
the Service Employees International Union,
which represents over 17,000
workers, announced its endorsement of Barack
Obama. Of the 17,000 plus,
I wonder how many dishwashers and busboys
are here illegally?
When organizations and individuals
endorse a candidate it amazes me that
voters follow the lead of their union
leadership or their favorite celebrity. It
almost appears that voters need someone to
tell them how to vote. When
I was in school, I was required to do my own
homework. It should be the
same way during campaigns. If you are too
lazy to do your own
homework and vote your own conviction not
someone else’s, maybe you
should not vote. Because when the person who
wins turns out to be
someone you dislike you have no one to blame
but yourself.
Voters should do their own homework and
make up their own minds. Do
they really believe that if they do not vote
the way their union leaders want
them to, they will lose their job or some
union benefit? If they vote for a
candidate because Jenna said she's my girl
or Oprah says he's my man,
don't think you will be put in the good
graces of Jenna or Oprah. Do you
really think they know you exist?
Remember, Shhhhh!
it's a secret ballot;
they will never know unless you tell
them, just make it count and make it
meaningful. However, most
importantly make up your own mind; don't let
someone make it up for you.
And, that is my opinion.
Michael Solomon
If you want to
help restore sanity to America, join the
Flag Day campaign.
|
