Some time ago I read an article about a 3rd grade class that was being taught a civics lesson about the President and how we go about electing one. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest of what was going on outside of their classroom. So, the teacher decided to have an election for a class president. The children would choose their nominees. Those nominees would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. The class discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. There were many nominations and from those, tow students, let's call them Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. Many thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support, were as the teacher had never seen Olivia's mother.
The day arrived when the two were to make their speeches and Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make the class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium.
Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down.
The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream." She surely could say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She was not sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it? She did not know. The class really did not care. All they were thinking about was ice cream.
Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.
So, remember boys and girls, every time a candidate opens their mouth and offers ice cream most of the voting public is going to react like nine-year-olds. They want ice cream and they do not care who has to pay for it. The remainder of the public knows they are going to have to feed the cow, foot the bill, and clean up the mess. So, bottom line, if you are running for President, just promise them ice cream (or whatever the dessert de jour is), and have no answers for anything else, especially about the cow in the room.
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