Lesson Three: Characteristics of Good Leaders and Candidates

Maya brought home what I think is an ingenious piece of homework.  It is about leadership and government and how to determine what one personally looks for in a leader.  I thought it was very thought provoking.

To add some levity to the whole election thing going on right now, I think we should all participate in this sixth grade exercise. 

In this election there are eight candidates.  I will post the backgrounds of four candidates per day.  After reading all the summaries, I ask you all to vote Wednesday.  I would enjoy not only your vote, but your reasoning behind it.  You must be able to back up your decision, just like any student in her sixth grade class.  Hint:  They started with listing pros and cons for each candidate.

Please feel free to vet out your arguments in the comments…and thank you to whoever wrote this, no author was listed.

Candidate #1 Spider Man

Spider Man is a young man who has developed a reputation for helping others in times of need.  He seems to understand community issues well and is usually found in the middle of problems looking for solutions.  Spider Man likes action better than words.  Sometimes his staff worries that he is not as strong a debater as other candidates.  Not much is known about Spider Man’s early years, but his advertising commercials claim that he is tough on crime and will fight for the common man.  This is his first political race and he needs to learn how to delegate.  His staff encourages him to form committees to work on community issues instead of trying to do everything himself.  Spider Man can be a bit impulsive and some people worry that his youth and inexperience might be a disadvantage.  Because he is somewhat shy and does not give many public speeches, he will have to rely on his growing popularity with young people to provide the funds and support he will need to win this election.

Candidate #2  Cinderella

Cinderella has helped her husband, the prince, for sometime now.  She feels that she is qualified to run for political office because hse has experienced governing a kingdom and because she has been on both sides of the economic fence.  Cinderella had a very poor childhood an dknows what it is like to have few advantages in life.  She feels that she understands the “working Poor” and whould fight for their rights.  After Cinderella married a local prince, she started many social programs to provide for the needs of those who needed extra help.  She admits that some of these programs will cause taxed to rise, but she feels that programs for the por benefit the community at large.  Some people worry that her sheltered, rich life has kept her from being exposed to big issues.  They worry that she may be soft on crime and uninterested in international concerns.  Cinderellas television ads claim that her love of people and understanding of the issues of both the rich and poor will make her the perfect candidate able to handle any situation.  Since Cinderella and her husband know the movers and shakers of the community, thie fund raising efforts have been very successful.

Candidate #3  Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse has been around a long time.  He has a large following and is beloved for his work in the field of media and entertainment.  Mickey Mouse seems to be quite simple minded and likes to joke around, but he has a head for business and has built a multibillion dollar move and them park industry.  Although he is new to politics, he likes to say tha tyou only need to visit his parkes to see that he would run a “clean campaign”.  Mickey’s political ads promote him as a shrewd business man, an old-timer with name recognition around the world, and someone who is well liked by almost everyone.  People are not sure where he stands on some political issues but his commercials, posters and political speeches are awesome.  They promote his exposre as a world figure and as a supporter of family values.  Mickey is a popular public speaker and has many rich friends in Hollywood who donate heavily to his campaign.

Candidate #4  Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a popular but mysterious candidate.  Although he has thrown his “red cap” into the race, there are still fquestions about his ability to run for national office.  No one is really sure if he meets the residency requirements necessary to participate in the elections.  Until that issue is resolved, his campaign staff has geared up with some excellent political commercials which describe his consern for children of the world.  Santa is also interested in exploring alternative forms fo fuel efficeint transportation.  He promises to share his ides of international travel if he is elected.  Although Santa is a beloved “father figure” to most citizens, some just don’t believe in him.  They are not sure that he will be able to transfer his concern for children into an understanding of the needs of all people.  They also worry that since he has known everyone since they were little children, he might not ba able to punish those who grow up and do the wrong things.  He admits that criminals need more than a piece of coal to hlep them reform.  His staff assures the public that he can be tough on crime and international terrorosts when he needs to be.  Santa’s fund raising efforts encourage popole to “donate to the man who has given so much to so many”.