But, I understand that as a candidate I'm going to have to do some of it, whether I like it or not. So, here's what I have time to put down on the fly before I get into this evening's work:
I have very little formal education. I was a ninth grade drop-out from a broken home. On my own when I was fifteen. So, whatever education I have was obtained the old-fashioned way, from the school of hard knocks. And, I know how to read and comprehend fairly well. It's amazing how easy it is to understand the words of the founders of this free republic, and yet how few "educated" folks in government these days seem to be able to grasp self-evident truth and fundamental principles.
I owned several severely under-capitalized small businesses early on in my life. The first one didn't survive the aftermath of the Carter years. Just couldn't deal with nearly 20% interest rates and 20% inflation. Another one didn't survive the advent of my political work. First I made the Democrats in town mad, then the compromised Republicans. Long story. Come on the America's Summit call tonight, or some other night, and I'll be happy to explain more to you personally.
In any case, I've spent the last twenty years or so as a full time political activist and some-time political consultant, the latter whenever the need arose for someone to fulfill a given task. Usually because the Republican Party wouldn't fund or support a good conservative candidate, and someone had to do it.
Of course, a guy has to keep his family fed, and clothed, and housed. Which means I did all sorts of real work throughout my life. Washed dishes. Worked on the farm. Worked on a carnival. Trimmed trees. Moved pianos. Worked as a painter. Laid block. Poured concrete. Worked as a riveter. Operated a feed mill and drove a feed truck. Upholstered furniture. Drove truck. Worked in an OSB mill, pushing a broom and then as a system operator. Worked in several factories as a machine operator. Helped run a grain elevator. Loaded trains. And a few other things here and there.
Now, I understand that there are going to be some folks who are going to look at my history and write me off because I don't have the usual credentials, but I will tell you this. I know how to relate to the regular folks. Because, I've walked in their shoes. And with my varied life experience, I almost always seem to be able to find common ground with people.
By the way, I've worked with plenty of those with impressive formal educational credentials. Very often, it was them leaning on my political knowledge, experience and abilities, not so much the other way around.
And I've seen some people with degrees come and go through the years that didn't have the common sense of a stump.
I agree with most of your positions. But I agree with all of my positions and I know that I can’t be president. Still, I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt. Here are some questions.
1. Name three occasions where you were in a leadership role and had a tangible accomplishment.
2. How are you going to get John Boehner and - for argument’s sake - Harry Reid to pass the legislation you want passed?
3. How would you control the lifers at the Departments of State and Defense who are going to think that you are an uneducated yokel and will certainly work to stymie you at every turn?
4. What would your response be to the first Saturday Night Live, Daily Show, or Late Show joke about your lack of education and/or credentials?
5. Finally, I do notice a very strong Christian theme through your sites. What is your denomination? And what role would other demoninations - including Jews, Mormons, and Muslims - have in your Administration?