Thursday, June 14, 2007

Funny Things In My In-Box

This was a strange confluence of disparate sociopolitical and infotainment perspicacity:
For Immediate Release

Kaplan, LA – Speaking in his hometown of Kaplan, La, Sammy Kershaw ended weeks of speculation this morning and officially announced he will run as a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor of Louisiana.

“I am proud to be a citizen of this state and I want to be a part of building its future. I'm committed to ensuring that the unique culture and proud heritage of this state is preserved and promoted,” said Kershaw.

Kershaw is running to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to help move Louisiana forward at a time when strong leadership is critical.


”Weeks of speculation?” For real? Who does he think he is, Fred Thompson? And speaking of Fred Thompson, isn’t his ex girlfriend, Lorrie Morgan, still married to Kershaw? Imagine if both of these candidates won. I’m thinking of the annual National Governor’s Assn. conference, which the POTUS traditionally addresses. Awk-ward!

You know, Louisiana native Tim McGraw has made no secret of his political ambitions. Imagine if he were governor of Louisiana and Kershaw were Lt. Governor. Faith Hill as First Lady of Louisiana and Lorrie Morgan as ... Second Lady?

That would certainly be in keeping with Kershaw’s “entertainment first” platform:


As Lt. Governor, some of Kershaw’s top priorities include:

• Making the entertainment industry a viable source of economic development in Louisiana.

• Creating education programs that will train a sustainable labor force for this industry.

• Ensuring that the people, places and culture of Louisiana are truly made a top priority within the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

• Creating a program to promote the diversification of our natural settings to capitalize on the “sportsman’s paradise.”


Who needs science and math when you’ve got music, hunting and fishing, right?

I’ve often wondered what makes celebrities think they can succeed in politics. I guess it’s no different than what inspires anyone to seek political office: a desire to change things for the better. Personally, I think the best way to change the world is through the arts. A great book, movie or song can change people; a politician can only change laws.

Maybe that’s the point of Kershaw’s platform.