Job Posting: Leader of the Free World

By Becky Eklund of Salem, Oregon. Becky describes herself as "an Oregonian who'd like to see more active, well informed participation in democracy."

The powers and limitations of the president are described in the U.S. Constitution. How many people do you know who read and analyze the constitution or state laws to learn the duties of public officials? OK; I know a few people who do that. But most people don't read the Constitution, and many may not even know where to find it.

During campaign season, we hear about the candidates, their values and morals, the history of their votes if they have been in public office, and their statements on policy issues -- and we should continue to do that. We also should look at requirements of the job they are seeking to see if the candidate has the qualities and qualifications needed to do the job well. We need to ask ourselves, 'Has this candidate ever been in charge of a large organization, managed people, developed budgets, or have experience with a legislative process? Who knows?

How do I make a sound, educated decision about someone to represent me based on statements in voters' pamphlets, sound bites from radio or TV, lawn signs, and newspaper endorsements? I know I have a responsibility to be a well informed voter. Someone (us?) needs to help me with that.

We need to ask ourselves, 'Has this candidate ever been in charge of a large organization, managed people, developed budgets, or have experience with a legislative process? Who knows? Let's write some position descriptions.

Recruitment for President of the United States of America

Duties:

• Manage national affairs and the workings of the federal government
  
• Serve as commander in chief of armed forces but must get others to let him start a war
  
• Appoint judges
  
• Grant pardons
  
• Act as liaison to Congress and people who care
  
• Manage a staff of 14.6 million
  
• Administer an annual budget of $2.4 trillion
  
• Sign or veto laws
  
• Responsible for being nice to other countries
  
• Be a famous and influential American
  
• Share power with others
  
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• No education or experience required
  
• Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
  
• At least thirty-five years old
  
• A resident in the U.S. for at least fourteen years
  
• Commit to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution
  
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of people and groups who have competing interests.
  
• Strong negotiation , mediation skills
  
• Demonstrated familiarity with Congressional process.
  
• Excellent political acumen
  
• High level of honesty and integrity and know others with same
  
• Have at least one dog and one wife
  
• Carefully communicated commitment to a Christian religion

The person in this position reports directly to 301,139,947 citizens of the United States of America. This position may require late night meetings, holiday meetings, and considerable off-site participation both during and after the standard work day. One hundred twenty days before appointment to this position, candidate may be followed by men with dark glasses and wires in their ears.

How to Apply

Submit the following to your chosen political party central committee:

• Completed Applicant Information Form
  
• A current resume
  
• A cover letter, not more than 2 pages, that describes how you would carry out the duties and expectations of the position.

The United States of America is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity

The United States does not have procedures or policies in place for VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

Dec. 28, 2007 Posted in guest column.