Ambitions, Wishes and

Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something requiring determination and hard work; whereas a wish is a hope or desire for something to happen.

Suddenly, I realize I have had very few ambitions (until today) in my life. Beyond, of course, the one to be published. It took fifty years to achieve that despite mounds of paper and innumerable SASE submissions. When it was finally accomplished, I was glad I had included my maiden name just in case Dad was still reading THE NEW YORK TIMES up in heaven.

Other than being a writer, there was not too much ambition in my DNA. Of course, I had many wishes, oh so many, but that's a different story because now, I do have a strong ambition. I hope it's not too late, and there's no age limit.

I really want to become an endorser. It will be so exciting, and I know exactly what I can wear on the podium, my new white linen poncho, and I will have my makeup done at the Red Door.

I had never considered this goal in life until recently because I guess I never felt worthy enough to tell anyone else how to think or vote. Now I realize how naïve I was. After all, look at all the endorsements that are being issued on a daily basis in this political season to top all political seasons.

Last week we had Arnold S. telling us how we should vote. Obviously, his recent questionable publicity didn't deter him from giving not only a suggestion, but also advice to the American voter.

And then, Al S., he of Tawana Brawley fame, became an endorser. What more can I say about qualifications for this category. Apparently, there is no job description for the role of endorser. Possibly, to use a lovely ethnic word chutzpah might be appropriate.

Within the past few weeks quite an amazing list of personality endorsements have appeared, and I may have missed a few, but here goes:

Caitlin Jenner, Glenn Beck, Hulk Hogan, Teresa Guidice??????, Loretta Lynn, Kid Rock, Paula Jones, David Crosby, Bob Dole, Danny DeVito, Susan Sarandon, Kris Jenner, Dick Van Dyke and Anna Wintour among many others.

I truly regret that I didn't become more ambitious earlier in life. Think of all the elections I have missed although admittedly, I am not quite certain how to begin. Possibly by calling the nearest TV station or maybe going on Facetime or Tweeting, and saying:

"I am........., and this is how I believe the American voters should cast their votes in the coming election. Clearly, it is unnecessary to mention that you are qualified to do this because you are definitely smarter and more knowledgeable and have more political savvy than the average citizen. Perhaps that is obvious when they hear the name.

The qualifications necessary for becoming an endorser include not only a strong, overwhelming and vibrant sense of self-confidence, but also the ability to demonstrate to the public that it is vital to their well-being to listen as you tell them what to do, think and believe. And yes, having had your fifteen minutes of fame enhances your chance of success. It is now also abundantly clear that I have none of the necessary credentials.

So it is a good thing that becoming an endorser was never an ambition I had seriously considered or even knew about. Perhaps it wasn't as prevalent in my youth, or maybe there weren't so many self-confident people prepared to take on this role. I believe there was also too much humility around in those days.

However, now I am beginning to wonder just how successful an avocation it really is. I must question whether having loud voices of assorted personalities telling the American voters who they should elect as the leader of our country has any impact. Will the average man or woman listen to the advice of TV pundits, failed politicians, and so called celebrities when they make such an important decision at this critical time in our country. Aren't' we as knowledgeable as the so called gurus giving unsolicited advice.

I also realize I no longer have any desire to become an endorser because I certainly don't intend to pay attention to the litany of assorted voices telling me which candidate to elect, and I hope you won't either. I'll wear my poncho somewhere else.