26584: walton (comment) RE: 26580: Vedrine: (article):What are the pres idential candidates credentials in Haitian (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

waltonr@hotmail.com

IMHO Mr. Vedrine was correct - "Looking at a question raised by someone
recently about the Curriculum Vitae of the presidential candidates, I would
say the most important question is rather What have they done yet for the
country so that Haitian people can trust them by casting a vote for them in
November?"

Washington and Lincoln had no "wall of diplomas," only natural intellect,
integrity, ability and a record of working the public good.  They were not
voted into office on the basis of their wealth or connections but on the
strength of their accomplishments and service.

George Washington never received more than an elementary school education,
young George displayed a gift for mathematics and apprenticed to a surveyor.

Abraham Lincoln had almost no formal schooling-the scattered weeks of school
attendance in Kentucky and Indiana amounted to less than a year; but he
taught himself, reading and rereading a small stock of books.  He was a
self-taught, yet moderately successful, lawyer.

While having education or money should not disqualify one from public
office, I would argue that educated or moneyed individuals who have not used
their talents or resources to serve their community, state or nation
disqualify themselves from public office.

Bob Walton