We need to focus on what matters

Hypothetical case: my dear daughter is seriously ill with a brain tumor – and will die if early relief isn’t found. My choice is to select the best possible surgeon available. My selection would be based solely on ability. What training has s/he received? What experience in similar cases? Track record? I would not give a hoot as to his/her religion, position on gay marriage, position on abortion, political affiliation – none of those things! Why, then, can we not select and vote on a presidential candidate based on similar logic?

Surely the only criteria would be his/her proven ability to govern under the US Constitution. His/her expressed views on foreign policy are germane, as is his/her position on healthcare, education and social programs. It shouldn’t matter whether s/he is pro-life or not, believes in gay rights or not, is staunchly religious or not – the only thing that matters is how best s/he can serve the USA. S/he must be above corporate greed and influence, military imbalance and religious zealots and concentrate only on what’s best for the bulk of the American people. Where has the political system in the US gone wrong? Money?

Robert F. Green