| Fortunately, I haven't had to choose a brain surgeon | | | | rebuild your car's engine or a wise leader to run the |
| yet. But, if I did I would have a careful list of criteria | | | | country, don't you think experience counts? |
| that would need to be met. That list would take | | | | Experentia docet (experience teaches) is the Latin |
| several things into account. | | | | phrase I still remember from High School, back when |
| -What training, where and by whom has the individual | | | | we still had the opportunity to learn the dead |
| had? | | | | language. |
| -How long has he/she been at it? | | | | Of course, experience alone is not the only criteria. |
| -What is his/her reputation among peers? | | | | As I have pointed out above, a brain surgeon needs |
| -What is his/her bedside manner? | | | | to bring skill, but also patience, and kindness, and |
| -How does he/she deal with my questions and | | | | preparation and insight and knowledge and wisdom |
| concerns? | | | | and forthrightness and sensitivity and hope. It seems |
| Finally, what about EXPERIENCE? | | | | these are qualities useful in a politician as well. |
| David Brooks, a columnist with the New York Times, | | | | Probably one of the most important characteristics is |
| pointed out in his editorial yesterday that "...the | | | | to be able to be honest and straight forward, to tell |
| founders used the word "experience" 91 times in the | | | | the truth to me, when I need to hear it. While I may |
| Federalist papers." He pointed out that "democracy is | | | | not like the message, I would surely appreciate and |
| not average people selecting average leaders. It is | | | | respect having someone tell me what I need to |
| average people with the wisdom to select the best | | | | know. I am perfectly capable acting on that |
| prepared." Sound counsel! | | | | information. |
| So when selecting a brain surgeon or a mechanic to | | | | |