A Guy We Can Relate To: The history of leaders in America have tended to be the wealthy a lot of the time. In the earliest of days they were large land owners, and have continued that tradition throughout American history. Some people have a problem with this because they feel that these people are buying their popularity, they are naturally all corrupt (how else could they have been successful in business), or they are just so far removed from the common man that they couldn't possibly relate.

It is this last part that has me thinking lately. The field of candidates for President are again largely made up of millionaires (and one who might be in the billionaire club). This doesn't bug me too much, except when they talk about how they are for the poor and impoverished in America. That is certainly a noble sentiment, but it immediately makes me want to look at their lives.

Today I pick on John Edwards. I like Edwards as a person. He has a great smile, a non-confrontational manner, and seems to be a fairly good speaker. But, he cries about wanting to help the poor, while he is having his $5M mansion in North Carolina built. He earned his money as a lawyer, and I certainly applaud him for that. But, I would think that he would be better campaigning for the wealthy since that is the class of person he is.

Today it was reported that on February 20th he got a hair cut at a Beverly Hills stylist that cost $400. March 6th he did it again. That's $800 in one month for two haircuts. Now I doubt that I have spent $800 in haircuts in the last 20 years, but I am not a priss running for president. I pay $11 at Custom Cuts and I get my hair cut about every 3-4 months.

Here is my plan for Edwards. First John, admit that you are a prissly little girly man and that you need help. Go to your local barber and cut that hair (it still needs a cut BTW). Use a 1-1/2 or a 2, it will make you look tons better. Now, you have spent $11, plus a couple of bucks for the tip, poor people love tips. But there is so much more. Because you went to the local mall you are supporting the local economy. After that comment that your wife made about your neighbor you could use a little good local press. Since you don't have to fly to California for your hair cuts, you are going to save a little money there as well. Now with all that money that you are saving, do something good with it. Help some charity John. You might already do that, probably as a write off for something. But do this one for your heart. Do this because you can. Spare the hair, give some care.