Toadies

Are they really necessary?

Published on May 29, 2005 By Dr Guy In Politics

In Virginia, we have a new mayor for the city of Richmond. He is the former Governor Of Virginia. Doug Wilder (Lawrence Douglas Wilder). I think he is the best thing to happen to the city in over 30 years (my tenure here). He already is pissing off alot of people and shaking things up.

But in the whole time I have been aware of his political life (he was Lt. Governor and a member of the House of Delegates and State Senate), he has always had a guy named Paul Goldman at his beck and call.

And that made me wonder. Why? Why would someone who is clearly articulate and smart, follow around another for all of his career like a toady?

I have nothing against Paul Goldman. I just wonder if he has a life outside of Doug Wilder. And why he cant make his own career instead of always being a hanger on. What drives his motivation? Why is he content to be a mouthpiece for a good man?

Most of the 'staff' of former leaders have struck out on their own, some (Richardson) sucessfully, some (Reno) not so. But each have tried to make their own mark.

Why does he stay on?

Makes you wonder.

Comments

Gene Nash

on May 29, 2005

Maybe I should place a help wanted ad.

NOW HIRING TOADIES
Skills required: fawning, advanced sycophantry, unquestioning loyalty.
Passing the following psychological test required: "What is the first thing that enters your mind when I say, 'Jump'?"

Apply at genenash.com

Dr Guy

on May 29, 2005

yea But who will apply? Stupid ones are worse than none at all.

Gene Nash

on May 29, 2005

Stupid ones are worse than none at all.

You have to have a few of those in store to blame things on when things go south and the press shows up.

They're also handy because they are too dumb to notice that you've secretly been placing all the shenanigans in their name, so when it eventually blows up -- and it always does -- all the evidence already points to them.

God Bless Toadies!

Gene Nash

on May 29, 2005

Addendum:

Preference will be given to those candidates with attractive wives whom they regularly ignore.

Dr Guy

on May 29, 2005

They're also handy because they are too dumb to notice that you've secretly been placing all the shenanigans in their name, so when it eventually blows up -- and it always does -- all the evidence already points to them.

So what office have you been elected to? Seems like you got it down pat!

Dr Guy

on May 29, 2005

Preference will be given to those candidates with attractive wives whom they regularly ignore.

Is that Clinton's ad?

GreenReaper

on May 29, 2005

Maybe he doesn't want to risk a safe thing. I mean, if he's got a good life now, why change?

Some people are not ambitious for power. Not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Being a follower has numerous benefits with little risk, assuming the person you're following doesn't screw up. And if they do, who gets the blame? Them!

Dr Guy

on May 29, 2005

Some people are not ambitious for power. Not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Being a follower has numerous benefits with little risk, assuming the person you're following doesn't screw up. And if they do, who gets the blame? Them!

Well, not always as another pointed out. I suppose you are right. and Wilder is that good that I guess Goldman could make a career out of it. Still, I would not want it. But as you say, some may.

Manopeace

on May 29, 2005

And I always thought Toadies were Frenchmen that lived far from the sea

Dr Guy

on May 29, 2005

And I always thought Toadies were Frenchmen that lived far from the sea

No, Toads and Frogs are different species. Like Apes and Man. We may look alike (some men, not me), but we are not the same!

Manopeace

on May 29, 2005

ribbet

Dr Guy

on May 30, 2005

ribbet

How deep is the creek? Knee-deep. Knee-deep.

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