The Editor,
There's an old saying that some people are fond of: "Those that can't do, teach."
I would suggest this sentiment would be more appropriately associated with those we elect to public office.
After all, it is very difficult to dispute author Robert Louis Stevenson's observation that "Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary."
Qualification standards for political candidacy are minimal to say the least. There are no prior education or training requirements, no specific body of knowledge is necessary.
There are no exams to pass and no need to complete a practicum or apprenticeship - all in sharp contrast to what is required of those who teach in our public schools, police our streets, or care for us in our hospitals.
Of course, there are some politicians who have impressive educational backgrounds and exemplary expertise in some areas, but the most intelligent and capable of our citizens tend not to be interested in any kind of involvement with the political world.
So, if Stevenson is right, on what basis do we determine how appropriate and/or sufficient a candidate's qualifications are for public office?
To our detriment, we are far too likely to be influenced by factors such as ethnicity, charm and charisma, physical appearance, religious affiliation and/or media-related impressions.
The processes of political campaigning and voting essentially become indistinguishable from those at work in the marketing and consuming of candy bars and potato chips.
Packaging becomes more important than content, and quick gratification overrides concern for long-term consequences.
It is important to note that when it comes to occupational qualifications, we apply stringent criteria.
And yet, when we look to hand over control of the important work of government to certain aspiring individuals, we don't seem to be anywhere near as concerned about how suitable for the work they may or may not be.
In British Columbia, it seems we are content with repeatedly discovering the errors of our voting ways well after the fact rather than being concerned with paying more attention to the issues of suitability and qualifications at the front end where we actually have some control over matters.
There is one simple, but profoundly important thing we can do to ensure that we lessen the likelihood of unqualified and undeserving people being elected to public office.
We could, and should, require all candidates to fully, openly and to our satisfaction, answer the following question: "What qualifies you to be given the honour and privilege of a position in government?"
Ray Arnold Richmond
