All of the attention was on New
Hampshire recently because of the GOP political debate. Much was made
of the candidates doing a televised debate to score points with the
party faithful. I have some advice for them, and the Democrats as
well when their time comes: spare me.
If politicians really want to score
points, here is a way they could do it. Hike the Appalachian Trail
(AT). I mean it. There would have to be a few rules so it doesn’t
turn into a media circus. They’d only be allowed maybe five “zero
days” where they’d be allowed to stage media events, interviews and
the like. They would only be allowed a limited budget for gear, food,
hostels and the like. Maybe they should fore-go their health care
plan for the duration, like so many hikers that have no health care.
They could hike together if they wish,
but I think they would find, like most thru-hikers do, that they have
different paces and interests and before long would find themselves
hiking with strangers that are more in sync with them. Those
strangers may, or may not, be politically in sync with them, but they
quickly learn that is not important on the trail, finding the next
meal and place to bed down is more important.
As I hiked the AT I was convinced that
every candidate for President, the Senate and the House should be
required to do a thru-hike. It connects one with reality and brings
one back to the basics. Day in and day out an individual has to carry
all of their worldly needs on their back. They have to plan a budget,
keep to a schedule, find shelter and meet their own needs. More often
than not, they end up having to depend on others. How many of the
people that run for high offices in this country have actually ever
done that?
To my knowledge, not very many people
of elevated political status in this country, have ever hiked the AT.
I could be wrong of course. William O. Douglas, a former Supreme
Court Justice does have a shelter named after him in Vermont, he did
hike it.
The beauty of the hike is not the
physical challenge, it is the mental challenge. Suddenly one is
thrust into an environment where everyone is equal and everyone is at
the mercy of the elements. The real beauty however, is the generosity
of others; the other hikers, trail angels and people met along the
way. Meeting people in small towns and boroughs that have lost their
jobs and health care and they still offer a hand to you can be a very
sobering experience. People that have lost their homes due to the
financial meltdown that help you find a place to stay can be an eye
opener. I don’t say this lightly, I’ve met those people.
Debates in nice sanitary environments,
with carefully guarded questions and bright lights tell us nothing
about the candidates. A cold, dark shelter, surviving days on end of
extreme rain and dealing with incessant insects, random snakes and
bears could perhaps tell us far more about the candidates than any
debate ever will. That would be a very bright light to shine on these
individuals.