Rhubarb Report: Episode 27

Unemployment numbers and slow job growth continue to be an issue for this country. These days, having a job at all is a step in the right direction. People seem to be far less concerned about being over-qualified for a job. Paying the bills takes precedence, doesn’t it?

Of course, you can also be under-qualified (and unprepared) for a certain job. If you don’t meet the job criteria, you will oftentimes have to get more training or experience prior to re-applying for the position.

This seems to be an issue in politics these days. With that said, this episode of the Rhubarb Report takes a look at some seriously ripe political Rhubarb, and ends with a feel-good moment for sports fans everywhere.

1. At times I’ve heard people complain that President Obama isn’t qualified for the position. With that said, it isn’t a surprise to hear yet another derogatory comment noted by FOX News-worthy sorts who have found a way to take issue with just about everything that has been done by the 44th President of the United States.

So could someone please tell me – what makes Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, or any of the other Republican presidential candidates BETTER qualified for the job description? Do they have high school student government experience?

Republican presidential candidate Governor Rick Perry has had some fine moments over the past few weeks that beg the question about being “qualified”. First, we have to start in New Hampshire with a very strange moment in politics …

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As you might hear someone say in his home state of Texas, “that boy just ain’t right”. I have seen enough politics to agree. I wonder how many voters in the state of Texas now ponder their decision to vote for Perry in years past.

2. But wait, let’s not leave Governor Perry just yet. If you think that was a classic, then move right along to his "oops" moment in Michigan:

Now tell me again, who is qualified and prepared to lead the country?

Perhaps we can at least come to the bare bones conclusion that frankly, Scarlett, I don’t think many of them have ever really been ready to do so. But how do you ever prepare for the demands of the Presidency?

3. This is a moment that was well worth waiting for: Alex Zanardi winning the handcycle division at the New York City Marathon. I think this is what they call a feel-good story if ever there was one. This guy is a true inspiration. What makes him so special?

Let’s go back to 2001:

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Zanardi survived one of the worst accidents I have ever witnessed. But his attitude, his spirit, and his recovery have all been phenomenal. We would all stand to gain a lot from him. His handcycle victory in New York confirms the will of the human spirit. Now, he wants to go on to the 2012 Olympics. I, for one, hope that he does.

Addendum: Episode 27 is video-free. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Photo credits: Wikipedia