The Presidential election is over…finished…done. I know it's hard to believe. It seems like the campaign lasted for about two years and it would never end. Well, actually, it did last for two years, but it really has ended. It's been in all of the newspapers and on television. We finally do have a new President of the United States.
As is always the case, there are many people who are elated with the results and many who are terribly disappointed. The fact of the matter is that there were a lot of voters who didn't feel comfortable with either of the Presidential candidates, or many of the other men and women who ran for any office this year. Invariably there are voters who simply feel they are voting for the "lesser of two evils."
Perhaps there is a bit of truth to that feeling. It is indeed quite possible that there are many very qualified people who choose not to run because they don't want to face the media scrutiny, the endless questions that really seem to have little to do with a person's qualifications to be a Senator or Governor or President or whatever.
Take the case of a man who probably would have been the perfect candidate for the Presidency. A very beloved humanitarian who truly believes in giving to rich and poor alike. A man who has traveled to the far corners of the world and is always greeted with open arms. In fact, his arrival has caused warring nations to lay down their arms out of respect for him.
I am speaking of Santa Claus, who just happens to be a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, even though he has numerous excellent qualifications, he didn't even consider running for the Presidency. His reasons for staying on the sideline are rather simple. Santa didn't want to deal with those relentless members of the media who evidently see their job as making the news rather than reporting the news. Such reporters enjoy creating controversy far more than simply reporting what a candidate has to say on a given issue.
I must say I perfectly understand Santa's position. Just imagine what a press conference would be like if he had been a candidate…
Santa: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's great to see all of you again. As usual, I have a very busy schedule, so let's get right to your questions."
1st Reporter: "It's been reported that you are making a list, checking it twice, trying to find out who is naughty or nice. Santa, are you spying on people? Are you violating their right to privacy? What do you plan to do with this list?"
Santa: "Well, yes, I do have a list, but it's necessary to do my job. It's all perfectly harmless. I don't spy on anyone. The information I use to compile my list is given to me voluntarily. People write me letters telling me the things I need to know."
1sr Reporter: "Yeh, sure, whatever. Are you going to make this list public?"
Santa: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Oh no, I can't do that. I am given the information in strict confidence. It is not for public consumption."
1st Reporter: "Are you going to tell us your sources? If not, what are you hiding?"
Santa: "Ho! Ho! Ho! I'm not hiding anything. What are you hiding when you print information that is attributed to "unnamed sources?""
1st Reporter: "We ask the questions here! You just answer the questions."
2nd Reporter: "Santa, if I might change the subject. I want to ask you about the happiness issue."
Santa: " "The happiness issue?" What are you talking about? I don't understand what you mean.""
2nd Reporter: "You know what I mean, Santa. I'm talking about all of your "ho, ho, ho" stuff. It seems rather strange that a guy who works as long and as hard as you do could always go around being so happy. You are too jolly, Santa. That just isn't natural."
Santa: "I still don't think I get your point."
2nd Reporter: "Okay, Santa, I'll spell it out. Do you use drugs?"
Santa: "Ho! Ho! Ho! Where do you people get these questions?"
2nd Reporter: "Quit stalling. Just answer the question."
Santa: "No, I do not use drugs, although I must admit I've had opportunities. You'd be surprised at the stuff people leave for me by the chimney. It's not always cookies and milk."
2nd Reporter: "So we are to believe that you have access to all of these drugs and yet you always look the other way. Santa, the point is that you visit many, many houses where drugs are available."
