Recently, I wrote about what I believed were the three noblest professions. Now, I am going to stick my neck out even further. I have given much thought over the years about what I consider to be the least noble professions.

So, here we go.

My third least noble profession is celebrities narcissistic actors, singers, musicians, and entertainers of all types. They think because they are famous that people should seriously listen to their opinions on solving the world’s woes. These are pompous people who live in their make-believe worlds, residing in gated communities very, very distant from the realities of life.

My second least noble profession is those arrogant, immature, uncouth, over-paid

(un) professional athletes who think they can do whatever they please, which includes drowning dogs, dragging an unconscious girlfriend across a hotel floor or flipping the bird. These are athletic role models your kids idolize.

So sad.

Now for my number one least noble profession: “politics.” The rest of this thesis will explain why I would never run for a political office at any governmental level.

To begin with, I am not condemning any political party; I am just stating what I believe to be the realities of the political arena. Secondly, I am sure many men and women who have chosen to run for public office have had the best intentions in mind when they threw their hats into the ring. But due to the darker recesses of the political world, over time, their ethical and moral values gradually become more and more tainted. In truth, they sincerely start as statesmen concerned about the next generation, but slowly evolved into politicians concerned about their next election.

Our political system, like those since the beginning of ancient democracies, is filled with compromise after compromise until one loses sight of what he or she first believed in and wanted to honestly improve.

Think about it; when running for office, you must have friends of influence and affluence who will back you. This is the beginning of your down fall. Whybecause those who supported you also have their own personal agendas in mind for getting you elected. Thus, you owe them favors; favors you are now obligated to pay them, even though they are contrary to your original ethical and moral beliefs.

Needless to say, there have been many great political orators throughout the course of history in our country. Their words were filled with promises and platitudes that inspired so many citizens, but in the end, they were empty words that went unfulfilled. As a philosopher once stated, “After all was said and done, much more was said than done.”

How many times have we heard neophyte politicians running for office proudly proclaim, “I am your candidate for ‘change’ in our (local, state, or federal) government.” But they quickly learned that changing the second estate is like trying to stop a locomotive on a dime. It’s a futile, nave dream.

Then there are the “egos” to contend with regarding so many politicians. It seems whenever a righteous bill is on the floor of the Congress that will definitely benefit all hard working Americans, the politicians want to make sure that their party gets the credit for it. If it isn’t the republicans, it’s the democrats or the independents who want the deciding votes to impress their constituents. So, they fuss over the bill, adding amendment after amendment in it to please and praise all parties. In the end, unfortunately, the original integrity of the bill (finally accepted by all the politicians) is devoid of its original content that would have truly served the people for which it was intended.

And the political beat goes on.

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but nothing will ever change regarding the dynamics of politics at all levels. The reason is quite simple; human nature is the system’s driving force. And whenever human nature is involved, there is little room for nobler qualities to exist. Just study the history of politics in all societies and you’ll understand the basis for my beliefs in reference to the second estate.

Of course, governmental politics (be it the local, state or federal level) is a necessary evil of every culture. But it is a social institution of which I want no part.

As for me, I would rather live my life by the very fundamental doctrine of quietly performing simple and mundane deeds of charity to those I encounter on a daily basis. Words of Inspiration

“That best part of a good man’s life his little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

– William Wordsworth

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Bill Welker is a retired reading specialist who was a K-12 classroom teacher for 40 years. He was selected as a “Teacher of the Year” by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Dr. Welker has learned he will be inducted into the West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services’ Jasper N. Deahl Honors Society for career achievement and community involvement.

As a scholastic athlete, he was a Pennsylvania State Champion in wrestling who received an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Welker was later inducted into both the PA and WV Wrestling Halls of Fame. His e-mail is mattalkwv@hotmail.com.)