Mike Rowe on the Scott Walker education issue/Howard Dean rant.

[HenryHill9323 65]

I really like Mike Rowe. Dude gets it.

 

 

 

Here’s Rowe’s complete response:

Hi Kyle

Back in 1990, The QVC Cable Shopping Channel was conducting a national talent search. I had no qualifications to speak of, but I needed a job, and thought TV might be a fun way to pay the bills. So I showed up at The Marriott in downtown Baltimore with a few hundred other hopefuls, and waited for a chance to audition. When it was my turn, the elevator took me to the top floor, where a man no expression led me into a suite and asked me to take a seat behind a large desk. Across from the desk, there was a camera on a tripod. On the desk was a digital timer with an LED display. I took a seat as the man clipped a microphone on my shirt and explained the situation.

“The purpose of this audition is to see if you can talk for eight minutes without stuttering, blathering, passing out, or throwing up. Any questions?”

“What would you like me to talk about,” I asked.

The man pulled a pencil from behind his ear and rolled it across the desk. “Talk to me about that pencil. Sell it. Make me want it. But be yourself. If you can do that for eight minutes, the job is yours. Ok?”

I looked at the pencil. It was yellow. It had a point on one end, and an eraser on the other. On the side were the words, Dixon Ticonderoga Number 2 SOFT.

“Ok,” I said.

The man set the timer to 8:00, and walked behind the tripod. He pressed a button and a red light appeared on the camera. He pressed another button and the timer began to count backwards. “Action,” he said. I picked up the pencil and started talking.

“Hi there. My name’s Mike Rowe, and I only have eight minutes to tell you why this is finest pencil on Planet Earth. So let’s get right to it.”

I opened the desk drawer and found a piece of hotel stationary, right where I hoped it would be. I picked up the pencil and wrote the word, QUALITY in capital letters. I held the paper toward the camera.

“As you can plainly see, The #2 Dixon Ticonderoga leaves a bold, unmistakable line, far superior to the thin and wispy wake left by the #3, or the fat, sloppy skid mark of the unwieldy #1. Best of all, the Ticonderoga is not filled with actual lead, but “madagascar graphite,” a far safer alternative for anyone who likes to chew on their writing implements.”

To underscore the claim, I licked the point. I then discussed the many advantages of the Ticonderoga’s color.

“A vibrant yellow, perfectly suited for an object that needs to stand out from the clutter of a desk drawer.”

I commented on the comfort of it’s design.

“Unlike those completely round pencils that press hard into the web of your hand, the Ticonderoga’s circumference is comprised of eight, gently plained surfaces, which dramatically reduce fatigue, and make writing for extended periods an absolute delight.”

I pointed out the “enhanced eraser,” which was “guaranteed to still be there – even when the pencil was sharpened down to an unusable nub.”

I opined about handmade craftsmanship and American made quality. I talked about the feel of real wood.

“In a world overrun with plastic and high tech gadgets, isn’t it comforting to know that some things haven’t evolved into something shiny and gleaming and completely unrecognizable?’”

After all that, there was still five minutes on the timer. So I shifted gears and considered the pencil’s impact on Western Civilization. I spoke of Picasso and Van Gogh, and their hundreds of priceless drawings – all done in pencil. I talked about Einstein and Hawking, and their many complicated theories and theorems – all done in pencil.

“Pen and ink are fine for memorializing contracts,” I said, “but real progress relies on the ability to erase and start anew. Archimedes said he could move the world with a lever long enough, but when it came to proving it, he needed a pencil to make the point.”

With three minutes remaining, I moved on to some personal recollections about the role of pencils in my own life. My first legible signature, my first book report, my first crossword puzzle, and of course, my first love letter. I may have even worked up a tear as I recalled the innocence of my youth, scribbled out on a piece of looseleaf with all the hope and passion a desperate 6th grader could muster…courtesy of a #2 pencil.

With :30 seconds left on the timer, I looked fondly at the Dixon Ticonderoga, and sat silently for five seconds. Then I wrapped it up.

“We call it a pencil, because all things need a name. But today, let’s call it what it really is. A time machine. A match maker. A magic wand. And let’s say it can all be yours…for just .99 cents.”

The timer read 0:00. The man walked back to the desk. He took the pencil and wrote “YOU’RE HIRED” on the stationary, and few days later, I moved to West Chester, PA. And a few days after that, I was on live television, face to face with the never-ending parade of trinkets and chotchkies that comprise QVC’s overnight inventory.

I spent three months on the graveyard shift, five nights a week. Technically, this was my training period, which was curious, given the conspicuous absence of supervision, or anything that could be confused with actual instruction. Every few minutes a stagehand would bring me another mysterious “must have item,” which I’d blather about nonsensically until it was whisked away and replaced with something no less baffling. In this way, I slowly uncovered the mysteries of my job, and forged a tenuous relationship with an audience of chronic insomniacs and narcoleptic lonely-hearts. It was a crucible of confusion and ambiguity, and in hindsight, the best training I ever had.

Which brings me to the point of your question, Kyle.
I don’t agree with Howard Dean – not at all.

Here’s what I didn’t understand 25 years ago. QVC had a serious recruiting problem. Qualified candidates were applying in droves, but failing miserably on the air. Polished salespeople with proven track records were awkward on TV. Professional actors with extensive credits couldn’t be themselves on camera. And seasoned hosts who understood live television had no experience hawking products. So eventually, QVC hit the reset button. They stopped looking for “qualified” people, and started looking for anyone who could talk about a pencil for eight minutes.

QVC had confused qualifications with competency.
Perhaps America has done something similar?

Look at how we hire help – it’s no so different than how we elect leaders. We search for work ethic on resumes. We look for intelligence in test scores. We search for character in references. And of course, we look at a four-year diploma as though it might actually tell us something about common-sense and leadership.

Obviously, we need a bit more from our elected officials than the instincts of a home shopping host, but the business of determining what those “qualifications” are is completely up to us. We get to decide what matters most. We get to decide if a college degree or military service is somehow determinative. We get to decide if Howard Dean is correct.

Anyone familiar with my foundation knows my position. I think a trillion dollars of student loans and a massive skills gap are precisely what happens to a society that actively promotes one form of education as the best course for the most people. I think the stigmas and stereotypes that keep so many people from pursuing a truly useful skill, begin with the mistaken belief that a four-year degree is somehow superior to all other forms of learning. And I think that making elected office contingent on a college degree is maybe the worst idea I’ve ever heard.

But of course, Howard Dean is not the real problem. He’s just one guy. And he’s absolutely right when he says that many others will judge Scott Walker for not finishing college. That’s the real problem.

However – when Howard Dean called the Governor “unknowledgeable,” he rolled out more than a stereotype. He rolled a pencil across the desk, and gave Scott Walker eight minutes to knock it out of the park.

It’ll be fun to see if he does.

Mike

 

 

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/02/18/mike-rowe-was-asked-if-a-college-degree-should-be-required-for-elected-office-his-educated-response-is-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

 

 

Sounds much more "knowledgeable" than:

 

 

 

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Magnificent Bastard 190]

That was a good read

[FeelingMN 273]

Very well put, and agree 100%. Walker should be judged on what he says/does while in office. The fact that he didn't go to college shouldn't matter.

[Sho Nuff 719]

Very well put, and agree 100%. Walker should be judged on what he says/does while in office. The fact that he didn't go to college shouldn't matter.

 

Agreed...but like the article said...it will matter to some.

 

What should matter is how he has run things...not just the state budget for Wisconsin.

He has done some very good things in WI...but other things he has handled poorly and his methods are pretty crappy at times IMO.

Much better candidates for the right out there.

[Magnificent Bastard 190]

I'm against Walker, and his education or lack there of never crossed my mind. I don't think he's any less intelligent because he didn't finish college, or that he would be any more if he had a masters. George Bush graduated Yale for Gods sake!

[HenryHill9323 65]

 

Agreed...but like the article said...it will matter to some.

 

What should matter is how he has run things...not just the state budget for Wisconsin.

He has done some very good things in WI...but other things he has handled poorly and his methods are pretty crappy at times IMO.

Much better candidates for the right out there.

How did you read the article? Nobody copied and pasted it into their post.

[Mungwater 588]

I'm against Walker, and his education or lack there of never crossed my mind. I don't think he's any less intelligent because he didn't finish college, or that he would be any more if he had a masters. George Bush graduated Yale for Gods sake!

And Harvard..

[rholio 339]

Good article.

 

Can we judge Walker on cutting taxes / revenue by $250 million then defaulting on a $108 million loan payment?

[Voltaire 4,554]

I intend to judge him on how he has run his state, the issues he runs on, how he handles the campaign, and how he presents himself. Maybe others will consider his not graduating college as a deterrent from voting for him and that's their prerogative but I haven't seen anyone around here raise that as an issue.

[HenryHill9323 65]

I'm thinking I could vote for Rowe for President.

[Sho Nuff 719]

I intend to judge him on how he has run his state, the issues he runs on, how he handles the campaign, and how he presents himself. Maybe others will consider his not graduating college as a deterrent from voting for him and that's their prerogative but I haven't seen anyone around here raise that as an issue.

 

Only time it has been raised is in saying why others may not vote for him.

I don't believe anyone on this board has used it as a reason not to vote for him.

[HenryHill9323 65]

I intend to judge him on how he has run his state, the issues he runs on, how he handles the campaign, and how he presents himself. Maybe others will consider his not graduating college as a deterrent from voting for him and that's their prerogative but I haven't seen anyone around here raise that as an issue.

I didn't say anyone around here has raised the issue, but the media is pushing it pretty hard.

[joneo 529]

The Wizard of Oz made the scarecrow intelligent just by providing him with a degree. Sh!t, I have a 4 year degree in Criminal justice, therefore I should be Secretary of State.

[Mungwater 588]

The Wizard of Oz made the scarecrow intelligent just by providing him with a degree. Sh!t, I have a 4 year degree in Criminal justice, therefore I should be Secretary of State.

Don't say that too loud, I have a bachelors in math, but I'm not very good at it. I prefer to lay low.

[HenryHill9323 65]

The Wizard of Oz made the scarecrow intelligent just by providing him with a degree. Sh!t, I have a 4 year degree in Criminal justice, therefore I should be Secretary of State.

 

I would vote for the scarecrow over Howard Dean.

 

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!,!!!

[MDC 5,877]

Agree that Scott Walker's lack f a college degree should be a non issue. I also think Howard Dean got a bad rap with "the scream."

[joneo 529]

Agree that Scott Walker's lack f a college degree should be a non issue. I also think Howard Dean got a bad rap with "the scream."

 

Yeah, the scream was just weird though. I remember watching it live and went "WTF was THAT"? Right or wrong, I knew he was focked.

[Voltaire 4,554]

The Wizard of Oz made the scarecrow intelligent just by providing him with a degree. Sh!t, I have a 4 year degree in Criminal justice, therefore I should be Secretary of State.

You picked the wrong wizard of Oz character. What Scott Walker lacks isn't a degree - it's courage. He's the cowardly lion. He's walking on eggshells. Every day brings something new that should be uncontroversial on that he won't talk about.

[joneo 529]

You picked the wrong wizard of Oz character. What Scott Walker lacks isn't a degree - it's courage. He's the cowardly lion. He's walking on eggshells. Every day brings something new that should be uncontroversial on that he won't talk about.

I truly don't know squat about the guy. I know he's in Wisconsin and has pissed off unions, which I like.

[drobeski 3,061]

You picked the wrong wizard of Oz character. What Scott Walker lacks isn't a degree - it's courage. He's the cowardly lion. He's walking on eggshells. Every day brings something new that should be uncontroversial on that he won't talk about.

someone listens to maddow a lil too much.

[Voltaire 4,554]

I truly don't know squat about the guy. I know he's in Wisconsin and has pissed off unions, which I like.

Yeah, he started off in a strong position, it's what he's best known for. I'd been rooting for this guy for months, dropped his name here and there. He's not been wearing well at all in the spotlight. First impression is not good.

 

Jeb on the other hand is going in the opposite direction. As recently as a month ago, I'd have still been fully enthused about Walker whereas Jeb was more or less: please, no. With Walker, Christy, and Rand Paul slipping in the increasing media glare, I'm taking another look at the guy.

[Sho Nuff 719]

And making dumb statements like this will not help him either.

Its this which would really worry me about him making a deep run...foreign policy.

 

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/walker-to-gop-group-i-took-on-protesters-i-can-beat-isis-b99452726z1-294283511.html

 

"I want a commander-in-chief who will do everything in their power to ensure that the threats from radical Islamic terrorists do not wash up on American soil," Walker said.

"We need a leader with that kind of confidence. If I can take on 100,000 protesters, I can do the same across the world,"

 

 

Given his tactics for "taking on protesters"...even mentioning the two together was just monumentally stupid.

Even thinking taking on protesters is the same as terrorists is dumb...saying it is even worse.

[HenryHill9323 65]

Sho doesn't like Walker, so he must have something going for him.

[drobeski 3,061]

Sho doesn't like Walker, so he must have something going for him.

you know he's doing something right if he's pissed off the unions and the hacks

[Sho Nuff 719]

you know he's doing something right if he's pissed off the unions and the hacks

 

He hasn't pissed you two off yet...so I guess he hasn't pissed off the hacks.

 

Any comments on what he said?

Or do you just not care because he is a republican?

[HenryHill9323 65]

He hasn't pissed you two off yet...so I guess he hasn't pissed off the hacks.

 

Any comments on what he said?

Or do you just not care because he is a republican?

Can we use the "Crusades" excuse?

 

Poor choice of words by an otherwise genius. Now, anyone who comments on it is a hack who hates the country.

[HenryHill9323 65]

And making dumb statements like this will not help him either.

Its this which would really worry me about him making a deep run...foreign policy.

 

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/walker-to-gop-group-i-took-on-protesters-i-can-beat-isis-b99452726z1-294283511.html

 

 

 

Given his tactics for "taking on protesters"...even mentioning the two together was just monumentally stupid.

Even thinking taking on protesters is the same as terrorists is dumb...saying it is even worse.

Why did you post one small part of his entire comment? Why not post the whole thing so we can see the context. Or is that just a requirement when quoting the Quran?