Pete’s Hardware for President
As we all know, there is a Presidential election next year. We know who the candidates are and what possibilities they bring. According to most public research, the dominant feeling is dismay. With that there is a desire for newness in terms of character and direction. I share those sentiments. As the horizon is searched, we look for a way to make things work better in terms of outcomes. The passions and partisanship that governs much of what we observe enhances our justification for dismay. As we look for a solution one comes to mind.
Before I share, I confess that my proposal is not one that can be adopted. Yet, it is one to think about. The idea has been residing in my mind for some time. As the problems mount in terms of public policy, the ability of Congress and the Presidency to perform declines. At the same time, the civility of the political process and those involved becomes discouraging at best. As we seek a solution, nothing comes forward. Hence, a wild and crazy idea. It comes to me during one of my many visits to our local hardware store – Pete’s.
When I go there it is because I need something for my home or have a problem to fix. As soon as I walk in the door there are individuals to help me. They help me solve my problems. They are consistent in their practice, as are the outcomes of their advice and help. There are no politics involved and there is no passion involved – just a calm and matter of fact approach to helping someone solve their problems. The contrast between politics in Washington D.C. is canyon-like. Like the old Dragnet Show on TV the people who work at Pete’s just ask for the facts. With that, they detect the issue and provide recommendations for how to resolve them. With rare exception, they are resolved.
This approach works for our homes and our community. It also works for Pete’s Hardware. After all, they have been in business for close to a century. Although it’s not doable, I wonder what would happen if we were to contract political jobs with hardware stores? Pete’s provides a good model. As we enter the Presidential season (heaven forbid!), the carnival of candidates makes many of us repeat the refrain from Mick Jagger – “I can’t get no satisfaction!” Ditto for Congress.
With these thoughts expressed, it might be refreshing to run Pete’s Hardware Store for President. If hundreds of yard signs were to emerge on our front lawns, it might make the local news and perhaps even national news. It could be the start of a national movement. A slogan might be “Vote for your local hardware store.” Not likely, yet it is interesting to think about. It might give us some satisfaction.