OT - basketball and politics?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I tend to think this line of comedy is rather tiresome; as if there's something about being an athlete (or actor) that disqualifies these folks from being able to serve in politics.

That's the whole point. This is America, where anyone can become a government leader. But you do have to admit, if about twenty-years ago, someone had told you that Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, Sonny Bono, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, would become top government leaders, would you have believed them, or even listened to them without laughing? How much would you be willing to bet that all four would move on to such high government positions? What type of odds would you expect from such a bet?

And you have to admit. Bill Bradley's resume compares to Superman's resume. If he were a contestant on To Tell the Truth, or What's My Line, we would think that he made most of it up.

[26 Year Gap]

I think having someone hold an office that does not have a law degree is a good thing.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

That's the whole point. This is America, where anyone can become a government leader. But you do have to admit, if about twenty-years ago, someone had told you that Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, Sonny Bono, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, would become top government leaders, would you have believed them, or even listened to them without laughing? How much would you be willing to bet that all four would move on to such high government positions? What type of odds would you expect from such a bet?

And you have to admit. Bill Bradley's resume compares to Superman's resume. If he were a contestant on To Tell the Truth, or What's My Line, we would think that he made most of it up.

I'd still argue that none of those were top gov't leaders, but that's a matter of perspective. I'll agree that becoming governor, congressman, or senator is certainly a feat.

But if someone had made the same claim about Reagan in the 40s, or Gerald Ford in 1933, or Fred Grandy in 1982, or Jack Kemp and Jim Bunning in the 60's, they'd have been equally incredulous. My guess, however, is that very few who ascend such political heights would have had friends do anything but laugh had such predictions been made when they were in their 20s.

[bigwhistle]

Worse than these are the "celebrity" movie star types that don't even graduate high school who come out with their political statements and politician bashing and people listen to them just because they might be able to read a script or look good.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bigwhistle

Worse than these are the "celebrity" movie star types that don't even graduate high school who come out with their political statements and politician bashing and people listen to them just because they might be able to read a script or look good.

I do admit I find them to be annoying. It's a fine line between using their fame for awareness and using their fame to project some sort of expertise. I don't think the problem lies with them so much as with the morons who keep asking their opinions.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I don't think the problem lies with them so much as with the morons who keep asking their opinions.

Hey Snaqs, I need your opinion on something........Bwahahaha!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Hey Snaqs, I need your opinion on something........Bwahahaha!

LOL; that's my problem. I don't wait for people to ask.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I tend to think this line of comedy is rather tiresome; as if there's something about being an athlete (or actor) that disqualifies these folks from being able to serve in politics. For as long as we've had organized sports, participants have been moving on to political successes of varying levels.

JC Watts and Steve Largent

[DLH17]

Originally Posted by snaqwells

i do admit i find them to be annoying. It's a fine line between using their fame for awareness and using their fame to project some sort of expertise. I don't think the problem lies with them so much as with the morons who keep asking their opinions.

+1

[Mark Padgett]

Even if it's not an elective office, how about O.J. as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court?

Hey - if the robe fits.......

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'll agree that becoming governor, congressman, or senator is certainly a feat.

Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Jack Kemp, and Jim Bunning are in one category. But Sonny Bono? C'mon? Who could have predicted that? Remember the movie "Men In Black"? Bono is one of several celebrities, most seen as "oddballs", viewed on a wall of monitors that kept an eye on extraterrestrials that lived among us. C'mon? Great musical performer? Yes. Definitely. A congressman? Who would have "thunk" it at the time?