A Pre-Election Parable ... The Doctor Is In

Now that the Republican and Democratic national political conventions are over and the mudslinging is in full swing, I thought that I might take a moment to share a cautionary tale with you.

It goes something like this ... there was this guy who spent years, literally years, ignoring his health. He smoked, drank to excess, ate nothing but meat and gravy was his favorite beverage.  

In short, he had the kind of lifestyle that couldn’t end well. And it’s not like he wasn’t warned. For decades smart folks told him, “Change your ways or there will be a catastrophe.” Did he listen? Not a chance. “Hand me another cigarette, will you?” “Can I get some more pancakes please?”

Then, not surprisingly, he collapses. His condition is so serious, in fact, that he comes very close to the end.

Enter a new doctor, young guy, optimistic although perhaps not quite ready or expecting to inherit a patient this close to death. But it was the hand he was dealt. So he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work and after a while, slowly but surely, the guy gets a little better. Not cured, mind you, but better.

Of course, to the new doctor's credit, even he realized that Rome wasn’t … well you get the picture. Where was I? Oh, so every month he gains a little strength along with a brighter future.

Fast forward a time (I don’t know, let’s say four years) and this guy is starting to stand again on his own two feet. Life, while still not good, is better and his prognosis is looking up. There is, however, a problem. His wife, you see, doesn’t think that he’s healing fast enough. The truth is, nearly half of his relatives agree with her and think that he should change doctors. What would you do?

Election Day is Nov. 6. If you feel up to it, remember to vote.