Want to be President?

I read an interesting AP article in yesterday’s Greensboro News & Record reminding me of something I had not thought much about it in the past, oh, fifteen years– you know, since sitting in my government class as a high school freshman: anyone– I repeat, anyone– can be a candidate for president of the United States.

In fact, according to the AP article, filling out the form for president is far less complex and far less time consuming than filling out an application to work at McDonald’s.

This year, as of this very moment, there are reportedly 259 people signed up to challenge Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States.

Now, obviously, 250 of these don’t have a chance of winning– or, for that matter, garnering any attention for their bid– but, still, they are in the race.

Take for example Mike Ballantine, a disgruntled American citizen who, due to his extreme dissatisfaction with American government, sent himself into self-imposed exile in Vietnam for three years. Today, he’s back in the country for one purpose: to seek the highest office in the land. He says his outrage with the government came to a head when the US invaded Libya; that was the straw that broke the proverbial Ballentine’s back.

Or, take into consideration candidate “Caesar Augustine de Buonaparte, Emperor of the United States of Turtle Island.” Clearly, this guy is serious, and clearly he has great odds at being the next president of the United States.

So, ultimately, even though you likely won’t receive any media coverage, and even though you likely won’t find your name on the final ballot (that is an issue that requires more paperwork and must be taken up with your individual state), still, if you so desire, you could absolutely throw your name in the hat to be the 45th president of the United States.

And then, assuming you are prepared to face Casaer Augustine of Turtle Island in a debate, who knows where you might find yourself next November.