It’s a fact! We need a way to verify with 100% certainty that every political candidate, before putting their name in the ha,t has read at least one book. Ideally this book would be about history, economics or philosophy, but really any book is better than no books.
It wouldn’t be that hard set up this vetting process, the way things work in the modern world.
In fact, it projects be a win, win, win situation. We win, as citizens, by being led by more knowledgeable people. The politician wins, because she doesn’t have to bear the burden of guilt for ignorant actions down the road. And the networks win, because of wicked high ratings! What else can you ask for?
The Birth of A New Set of Reality TV Franchises
Here’s how we do it: The candidate is broadcast reading the book. Not out loud. It’s too easy for them to read the words out loud without having any of the information sink in. They’re used to teleprompters, and sound bites and all that. Instead they sit and read quietly. Maybe they come across a salient point and share their thoughts about it out loud. If they are bold enough to go ‘off the cuff!’
If they prefer to read audio books, they can easily set up the broadcast of themselves sitting there in a comfy chair, listening to the book. They can’t use headphones. The book can be played out loud so we get the benefit of reading the book as well, right along with them. This might cross some copyright rules. But I think in this case we can let it slide. It’s for the greater good! And they need to be hooked up to some gadgets that monitor their brainwaves and shock them back into attention when their mind wanders. No pretending allowed! The info has to sink in.
There is No Societal Benefit of Electing Naive Candidates
It’s a problem. You see it all over twitter, or the news, if you’re into that type of thing: Too many political figures make it into office and seemingly have never cracked open a book. Especially not a book that might give them perspective on their new job.
I know, being popular is important too. Getting likes on twitter is important. Hell, getting likes anywhere is important! Even if it’s on Instagram! But is it impossible to expect that charisma be balanced with a bit of knowledge? Is that too much to ask? Call me old-school. I’m happy to take my lumps, but I like the sound of smart, open-minded people talking.
It’s refreshing!
Bring on the books! Bring on the TV!
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