Guest Column
Bill Richardson should be next U.S. President
- Bill Richardson should be next U.S. President
- By Joe Olvera
The Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. Here they have their perfect Presidential candidate in Bill Richardson, but, so far, the polls are not favoring him in the least. On the contrary, he’s usually listed in polls as a “will also run.” While almost every Democrat is going gaga over Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, Richardson is not being seen or considered as a viable candidate, up to this point, that is.
I think this is so wrong. Who else but Richardson has the proven ability, the experience, the strength to become President? I like Hillary, but I don’t think she can win a Presidential election. Barack Obama may be the newest hero on the block, but there’s no way he has Richardson’s experience or his ability to overcome obstacles. As the Governor of New Mexico, Richardson has done wonders for his people and for his state. If he would apply the knowledge he gained in running New Mexico once he is elected President, our nation will be that much better for his leadership.
I strongly believe that Richardson can be elected President. Not only is he an excellent governor – winning his campaign this past year by almost 70 percent of the vote - but he has been going great guns for New Mexico – a formerly forlorn state that was a laughingstock among other states. Richardson turned it around. His policies could be applied on a national scale and they could succeed, much as his policies in New Mexico have succeeded. He is a diplomat, well liked and respected throughout the world.
When the North Koreans became concerned about the way their tough stance in developing nuclear weapons was being perceived, whom did they call? Bill Richardson. When two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Salopek was arrested on spy charges in Darfur, who was able to get Salopek released? Bill Richardson. When the battles in Darfur continued with no end in sight, with hundreds of thousands of people being killed, who was called to establish some sort of cease fire? Bill Richardson.
Face it, time after time, after time Richardson has proved his courage and his mettle. He’s not afraid to step in when the going gets tough. Why? Because he has the respect of the world at large. After all, he was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a position that allowed him to make inroads on a world scale. Why do world leaders trust Richardson? Because they know he’s made of a different mold. Not your typical politician, Richardson has already established himself as a world leader even though he’s now only the Governor of New Mexico – albeit, the best Governor that state has ever had.
Hillary? Where is she in the minds of the world’s leaders? Barack? Where is he in the minds of the world’s leaders? While they both are admired and respected in the U.S., nobody knows how they would fare if they take over the world’s toughest job – President of the United States. But, we already know Bill Richardson. We already know that he is the product of an Anglo father and a Mexican mother. We know that he speaks English and Spanish perfectly, and we know that he is a man of courage and convictions.
So, why isn’t he being placed at the top of the polls? Who knows? I sure don’t. I hate to read an article that praises Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, only to have Richardson appear as an also ran, or an also running. But, give him time. Richardson is not the type to give up. A product of two powerful cultures, Richardson has managed his dual identity to the point where he doesn’t have any qualms or doubts about who he is, unlike Obama, who doesn’t really know whether he’s white or black. I suppose he’ll be whatever gets him elected. If he has to be white, he’ll be white. If he has to be black, he’ll be black.
- Not so Richardson. He already knows who he is and he respects both elements that make up his constitution. He is an Anglo/Mexican and he personifies those elements in our nation that bring out the best of both cultures. All I can say is give Richardson time. Clinton and Obama may be leading in the polls with Richardson a dark-horse candidate, But, give him time. Remember, Bill Clinton, one of our greatest presidents came from a small state too – Arkansas. Richardson’s identity with New Mexico and his outstanding skills will allow him to make inroads as the presidential race continues. Me? I’m for Richardson all the way. You see, he’s a Chicano, and proud of it. I’m proud of Richardson, too. Orale!
- Sin Fin
- _______________________________________________
- Contact Joe Olvera at: jolvera@aliviane.org
- Joe Olvera ©, 2007
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