As I contemplate my next run for governor on the Flatlander Party ticket, I have been paying attention to what some of the “Same old same olds” of the other parties who have already declared their candidacy are using as their campaign platforms.
We want to thank Brendan Smith for this Contribution – Please direct yours to Editor@GraniteGrok.com.
One candidate is an ex-New Hampshire U.S. senator who is back on the trail and getting many endorsements from a bunch of political so and so’s. (I didn’t notice the name of Sally, the woman who works at the convenience store, on the list, I like to wait to see who she endorses.)
I am not sure if this candidate will continue to run on this premise, but she did declare out of the gate that New Hampshire is just a step away from becoming Massachusetts.
As a Flatlander originally from New York, I don’t necessarily disagree since you could substitute New York for Massachusetts and have the same effect. In fact, you could substitute the names of plenty of other states in America.
But my question is, how does electing a popular career politician, backed by big money, change any of that?
It isn’t career politicians that are going to change anything. After all, most candidates on both sides of the aisle who want a chance of winning are beholden to others and are too easily influenced by a handful of flawed humans with gobs of cash who have been really running the show since, well, forever.
So, if elected I promise to be influenced as well, but not by the usual crowd with deep pockets.
Back in February, I proclaimed my faith in Jesus Christ in The Weirs Times. Not an easy thing to do in this day and age. Some Christians are hesitant to share their faith loudly since they are nervous about what others might think of them. They’d rather keep their beliefs to themselves and not rock the morality boat while it is slowly sinking.
For my 2024 campaign I have decided not to be quiet about this. In fact, I was thinking that my campaign slogan might be something like: “I’ll Ask Jesus First.”
In making any decision as governor, I will first pray to the Lord to guide me before I ask for input from the other flawed humans around me like myself. I know it will help provide me with clearer answers and better decisions.
Okay, who out there just thought: “What is he nuts? What kind of campaign is that?”
A difficult one for sure, especially in an increasingly secular state like New Hampshire.
But isn’t it that what you always hear from other candidates anyway, especially so-called “conservative” ones? Though not always so directly.
A lot of politicians, and people in general, are quick to send their “thoughts and prayers” during difficult times and situations, which implies, whether they are even aware or not, that they are planning on asking the Lord for help.
I’m sure some spend a few minutes actually “thinking” about whatever the situation might be, but how many actually pray after they say it? I’d bet not many. Some will say it and then go eat a sandwich. If they truly believe that they should send thoughts and prayers, and it isn’t just lip service, then shouldn’t they also be doing the same thing when faced with any difficult decision?
You never hear anyone honestly say” “That’s terrible. I guess I could send thoughts and prayers, but I’m very busy.”
So, my campaign will be the “thoughts and prayers” (with a bigger focus on the prayers) on spiritual steroids, if you will.
I feel it would be a good idea for the media to confront candidates as to their thinking on this issue as well, but I won’t hold my breath.
Will they commit to expanding on their routine, boilerplate “thoughts and prayers” responses, and commit to some real prayer when the going gets tough and then go and actually pray?
Maybe at the next WMUR debate for governor, the hosts might deviate from their lighthearted “What is your favorite color” type folksy questions at the end of the debate and ask something like: “You have all at one time or another said you offered your thoughts and prayers after a terrible situation. So, did you actually pray after you said this and if so, will you continue to pray when faced with other difficult issues as governor?”
But, of course, I’m guessing no one in the media would dare go down that road and would instead safely pivot to “What is your favorite flavor ice cream?”
I realize that my campaign slogan will not be popular with many, but I don’t care. Professing your faith out loud is always hard. If you have read the Bible, you realize that going in. It’s a battle, and many will do what they can to discredit you based on that alone.
Who are they really working for?
So, will my campaign strategy succeed?
It doesn’t really matter. Even if I lose the governorship, I still will have gained what matters most.
And if you have to ask what that is, then I’ll pray that you get the answer sooner than later.
Brendan Smith is the editor of The Weirs Times weekly newspaper, where he also writes the column “A F.O.O.L* (Flatlander’s Observations On Life) In New Hampshire.” Brendan also started The Flatlander Party in New Hampshire in 2000. He is also the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles,” “Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire,” and “I Only Did It For The Socks – Stories And Thoughts On Aging,” available at BrendanTSmith.com. Comments are welcome at brendan@weirs.com.
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