Common Sense

Almost as soon as the last presidential debate was finished, the world press jumped on “Joe the Plumber”.  Who is he? Where does he live? Why did Obama and McCain mention his name so many times?   This onslaught of attention has made Joe famous, and has landed him time on some major network TV shows. Unfortunately, the world press has also decided to create some controversy to sell papers and gain viewers. Is it fair that the media has turned a simple interaction with Obama into front page news?  I don’t think so and here is why.

Does it really matter that “Joe the Plumber” isn’t a “real” plumber?  Just because he doesn’t have a license does it mean that the work that he does is not considered plumbing?  If he is out every day fixing toilets and unclogging drains, that makes him a plumber in my book.

Why has the press reported that his “real” name isn’t Joe, but rather Samuel.  As I hear it, his name is Samuel Joe Wurzelbacher and he goes by his middle name.  This doesn’t seem strange to me, especially since I also answer to my middle name rather than my first.

Does his income level really matter? So what if the guy doesn’t make $250,000 per year.  Many of us don’t, but we’re still worried about McCain’s healthcare policy and Obama’s tax cuts.  In my opinion, how much money he makes is really not any of our business.

In conclusion, I think that the press should leave Joe alone and focus more attention on the details that matter.

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