Louisianians are known for loving good food, good football, a good party (seeking pleasure) and not-so-good politics. We, like most people, hate the truth when it’s a rebuke to us.

Over 30 years ago, Kevin Riley, while seeking a state public office, made a statement that angered most Louisianians. He stated most men in Louisiana are satisfied with a pickup truck, a shotgun, and a six-pack of beer. It was political suicide for him to say this. Was it true? In my opinion, yes. Did it change anything? No. We, like most people, only want to hear good things.

This being an election year, many candidates are taking polls to find out what they need to say. I don’t blame them for telling us what we want to hear. I blame us for not being able to discern whether a person has convictions.

In 1987, three weeks before the governor’s race, I invited candidate Buddy Roemer to an 8 a.m. meeting at the Brass Lantern Restaurant. We had (believe it or not) 180 people in attendance. This was the only appearance he made in the River Parishes during that campaign.

Was I excited about Roemer? Yes, I was. I liked what he said, but more importantly, I liked his past record in Congress. He was a man who not only supported the pro-life movement but also introduced strong pro-life legislation.

At that early morning meeting, Roemer spoke well. He was articulate. He told us what we wanted to hear. He said he was a Christian and said he would support all pro-life legislation. His stand against gambling sounded good, also. I voted for him. After elected, he reneged. That’s why in his re-election for another four years, he came out third, behind Edwin Edwards and David Duke.

Do we ever learn? Past history says no. Now, Roemer, the same man who fooled us once with no convictions, is back again seeking the Republican nomination for president of the United States. His campaign slogan, “Ready to Lead,” sounds good. I’m amazed that some people might be fooled again.

The Bible says there are two kinds of government. It reads, and I quote from Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

Roemer was rejected by the people over 20 years ago. Let’s keep him retired from politics. He has nothing to offer.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-9477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.