My ideal candidate...
a series of reflections brought to you by the Freshman Writing Program
Erica Frankel
Issue date: 10/17/08 Section: Ed-Op
I believe that the ideal president would wear Birkenstocks.
Now one may ask, "Birkenstocks? You want the president to wear Birkenstocks?" Although as nice as it would be to have a president with toes that basked in the sunlight, I mean this mostly metaphorically, for I believe the Birkenstock is a solid representation of what I want in a president.
I want a president who is earthy and connected to the world and does not hide behind the thick, rigid leather of old ideals. It is important that the president is open to new opportunities and adventure, wherever Birkenstocks take him or her by the will of the people. A president who wears Birkenstocks is both hardworking and resilient, supportive at all times. Furthermore, I do not want a flip-flop president, easily vulnerable to tripping at any time, injuring both himself and his country.
Now, one may say, "Birkenstocks are for hippies." Well, although a sweeping generalization, I would enjoy having a president of free spirit and wit, for this shows true confidence. And, if the president did have the nerve to sport this seemingly unfashionable footwear in public, who wouldn't like him? A president has a large responsibility, so it is crucial that he or she has a little fun while enduring some rough endeavors. The more receptive to the views of the people a president is, the more successful he will be.
He or she would be able to feel the ground beneath him through his trekker sandal and respond with the greatest of ease. Pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, social justice - it's all in the description of the Birkenstock. So don't be bound by laces, slide some on and get going!
Erica Frankel is a sophomore majoring in chemistry. She can be reached at op-ed@thetriangle.org.
Now one may ask, "Birkenstocks? You want the president to wear Birkenstocks?" Although as nice as it would be to have a president with toes that basked in the sunlight, I mean this mostly metaphorically, for I believe the Birkenstock is a solid representation of what I want in a president.
I want a president who is earthy and connected to the world and does not hide behind the thick, rigid leather of old ideals. It is important that the president is open to new opportunities and adventure, wherever Birkenstocks take him or her by the will of the people. A president who wears Birkenstocks is both hardworking and resilient, supportive at all times. Furthermore, I do not want a flip-flop president, easily vulnerable to tripping at any time, injuring both himself and his country.
Now, one may say, "Birkenstocks are for hippies." Well, although a sweeping generalization, I would enjoy having a president of free spirit and wit, for this shows true confidence. And, if the president did have the nerve to sport this seemingly unfashionable footwear in public, who wouldn't like him? A president has a large responsibility, so it is crucial that he or she has a little fun while enduring some rough endeavors. The more receptive to the views of the people a president is, the more successful he will be.
He or she would be able to feel the ground beneath him through his trekker sandal and respond with the greatest of ease. Pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, social justice - it's all in the description of the Birkenstock. So don't be bound by laces, slide some on and get going!
Erica Frankel is a sophomore majoring in chemistry. She can be reached at op-ed@thetriangle.org.
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