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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Election dream

I’m having an uncomfortable dream. I’m about to board a crowded aircraft, that must fly through rough weather, to an unknown destination. The operating system of this modern craft is complex, and is known to contain a serious flaw, perhaps multiple flaws.

We passengers are about to select a pilot by a kind of biathlon, combining an audience-rated singing-dancing contest with high-stakes, winner-takes-all poker.

I realize with shock that the human qualities needed to win the biathlon are unrelated to piloting skill! Our only hope is for enough passengers to realize we need a pilot, not a singing and dancing poker player. I pinch myself to wake up, but I’m not asleep.

William Siems

Spokane

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