Not sure ...

May 21, 2013
I'm standing election today against two good people. In a big way, I hope I lose. With the polls closing soon and most of the votes cast, I can now say that.

It's not to say that, if elected, I won't give my best, it's that I don't know anything or hold a firm belief on a particular point of view.

Fact is, I've yet to make up my mind. I think I have a fair sense of right and wrong, though I've transgressed that line several times, and I'm not immune today. I guess I'm just too stupid to believe in anything for sure.

I can't tell a voter with any resemblance of certainty that I would consistently stand up for a particular point of view. Were I running for an office involving campaign contributions, I don't think I could take them.

I do admire those who seek election with a mind so clear and firm that they can oblige no other opinion. I admire that they can stand for a firm point of view, espouse without hesitation an idea, and promise to push for public policy to promote their certainty.

I can't do that, and I've tried. Just when I thought my idea was clear, someone would raise a contradictory fact, and I had to start thinking all over again.

For years, I saw that as a personal weakness. Today, I'm not so sure.
Mike Weland
Bonners Ferry