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Let's Put An End To Politicians' Books
I'm reading Newsweek the other night and I see Nancy Pelosi, Democratic speaker of the house from California, has a book out. Now, why wouldn't that surprise me?
This is what politicians do to cash in on their notoriety and celebrity status. John McCain has numerous books out, Barack Obama has a couple of books out, Joe Biden also has a book.
Public service used to mean using your position to create a better community for your fellow man, not to create greater wealth for the public servant. Not anymore. In fact, politicians waste no time cashing in. Obama may take the prize for a politician cashing in the fastest on his fame. When Obama gave his big Democratic convention speech in July 2004, I guess the iron was hot. His autobiography, "The Audacity of Hope," was published soon after. While Obama did author a book before his first run for political office, his autobiography was certainly timed to capitalize on his new found celebrity status.
And good for him. That's the American way. My question is: Who reads all these political autobiographies? Why do we care about a politician's autobiography? Isn't this like asking executives at Anheuser-Busch if their beer tastes better?
Do you remember the first time you heard your voice on a tape? Did it sound different than you thought? Of course. Is it possible that some of these political celebrities have miscalculated their voices? Why fall prey to their propaganda?
I guess I need to face reality. Becoming a politician today isn't all about helping people. It's also about cashing in.
Well, at least Pelosi's book is ranked in the 1,200s on Amazon. Maybe I'm not alone.
-Ron Ameln, SBM
Creative Energy Officer
Helping others understand your innovation
I am not a wine connoisseur, nor do I understand the intricacies of what makes a good wine. I have pretended to know in the past, though. Swirling the Merlot around in the glass, swishing it between my teeth and saying, “hmmm…quite dry…and a faint hint of almonds.” One thing that I do know is that [...]
  
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