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The following is a Counterpoint.

By James Brigham

I have looked for the job description for our U.S. representatives and the closest thing I could find is the oath of office which makes them swear that they will defend the U.S. Constitution.

With that as the only qualification, just about anyone can convince themselves “that’s a job for me.” I see why every two years, nuts come out of the woodwork and throw their hats in the ring. Using the premise that “even a blind squirrel can find a nut,” maybe any nut can get elected to Congress. It’s possible; many have.

So, if you’re thinking of running, I have a few suggestions.

Know the Constitution. Read it. Read it again. Read it aloud in public. Understand what it means. Get to know the folks that wrote it. If you are at a campaign rally, I am going to ask what a bill of attainder is and you better know the answer.

Know the people you want to represent. Go to a factory at 6:30 a.m. Hook up with a worker and follow him or her for a day. Learn what it’s like to work with your hands, to be on your feet all day, to assemble the widgets that make this world go round. After work, follow him to the grocery store to see a two-pound bag of flour has gone from 75 cents to $2.50, while incomes, at best, are stagnant.
One out of 10 of us are unemployed, maybe your biggest voting bloc. Learn their story and everything that comes with it like food stamps, bankruptcy and foreclosures. I’m going to ask, “Does the working man wash his hands before or after using the bathroom?” You had better know the answer.

Don’t be a lawyer; you will have a couple working for you —if you get there. Don’t have all the answers; no one knows all the questions. Don’t be way out left or right. Find the middle; that’s where most votes are. Don’t spew untruths. We have had enough of that. Those are my suggestions. Good luck.

One last thing: It’s best if you own a dog. It’s been said that most dog owners vote and nine times out of 10, they will vote for the dog.

The writer lives in High Point.