From the perspective of genuine democracy, the most pernicious aspect of our political life is the degree to which it is dominated by "professionals" from the Guild of Lawyers and the rotating clique of the corporate board rooms.

One of the most refreshing faces in American politics recently was Jesse Ventura. Admittedly, he didn't generate earth shattering accomplishments, but he didn't leave his state in ruins, either.

In the same way the background of Arnold the Governator in California is, in my opinion, one of the most positive things about him. (You may by now have guessed that though I am quite Liberal, I am not one of your painfully priggish "All Things Considered", sort of Liberals.)

There is no reason to believe that political capacity or talent is the exclusive perogative of any single profession. Ronald Reagan, the second team actor, had it in spades. Ross Perot, the billionaire CEO, lacked it all the way down to the soles of his expensive hand-made shoes.

Doctrines and agendas aside for the moment, I'd prefer our politicians to be talented, on the whole, and if Ditka truly has the talent (which doesn't mean he has to "make nice" to all and sundry), more power to him.

There are surely already enough doofuses in public office whom any of us could name--though the content of our lists might be somewhat different.

"UPDATE: Ditka storms out of meeting..."