There is no shortage of....

   The lack of any significant seasonal rain and snow has only compounded and contributed to the continuing drought in the western part of the United States. The claims of a shortage of a  well trained and skilled workforce, due in large part to an aging and retiring population, has begun to put pressure on American industry and manufacturing. And one cannot overlook the growing demand for teachers, educators and healthcare professionals across the country, especially in rural areas?

   But there is one area where there appears to be no shortage. I am referring to the number of candidates in the early running for President of the United States in 2016. Now,  some may see this as a 'positive', a revival of the public's spirit and interest in the political process. In the past it was a process that made our country great and strong, producing powerful and influential leaders, leaders with a vision for the future. 
   Others may view this as a time when the American political system is broken, suffering from discontent and turmoil and may be the first step in the years to come that reveals the challenges and limitations of the current  somewhat antiquated “two party” system. 
   Now, don't get me wrong. I like having choices. Although a bit before my generation, there was a time when the only color car available to buy was painted black. Then, after a few years and a number of complaints, there was a choice, black or gray, then black, gray or white and today, cars come in many different colors and styles too, from two door, to four door, to even a five door (hatchback style).

   My point is that.... times change and so do the public demands. Very few of us would be happy if all we had to choose was a black car with only two doors.

   But why are  so many people running for President at this time? Is it for power and control? Greed? Perhaps it is to leave a personal legacy. How about  over-sized egos. Research and political analysts indicates there may be five or six reasons. 
   Some people run, claiming they wish to address the nation's problems and have the solutions. If that were only true. But there may be other reasons.

   Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan ran with the “promise to change the direction of the country”. With the Office of President comes a position of power and with power comes the ability to influence and force changes.

   Some view running for President as a way to make history. Did you know that as early as 1872, the first woman ran for President. Not only a woman, but an African-American woman (and women couldn't even vote then, let alone any African-American). It was almost 100 years before another woman would attempt to run for the highest elected political office in the land.

   Some candidates run to “make a point,” Whether it is to express opposition to a war or are  displeased with the way the current administration does business, candidates will often use their candidacy as a way to declare their personal and  political dissatisfaction about certain issues or more likely, someone.

   There are some who will declare a run for office with a secret intent 'not' to win but to use it as a pathway or stepping stone to another place, getting the name out their. In the business world, I believe this is called 'branding'. In the world of politics I think I might call it an 'evil' deception and a misuse of democracy and democratic principles.

   Family traditions and political dynasties have been a reason that people will seek to run for the office. There are several familiar names in this year's list of potential contenders. But Adams, Kennedy, Dole and Bush are names from past Presidential races that we all remember. Some won and others, well........

   There are some who decide to run for office, knowing they may have a very slim chance of ever getting elected, but then, all of a sudden. Who ever expected Jimmy Carter to get nominated, much less win the election. I suspect the 'classy' video at the Democratic Convention that year and then shown throughout the campaign may have had some impact on his being elected. I think it was the smile and the teeth. The American election system can and does often work in mysterious ways.

   Not everyone who runs for President gets elected. With  twenty declared and yet-to-declare, that surely will be the case next year. The sad fact is that in the mix of candidates are some who could do a great job of leading the nation, but when the primaries are all said and done, all the money spent and the final candidates have been selected, perhaps the best may be sitting on the sideline, only to watch and wait for the final outcome and dream about 'next time'.

   But the good news, there are only 551 days until the 2016 Presidential election. And the bad news? There are 552 days until the campaign starts for the 2020 election.

                                       

PS. And contrary to popular opinion, I am not running for office. Maybe next time!   :)