I don’t know how to say it differently. I don’t know how to scream it any louder. If I were to say, very nicely, over and over, “Please, 2020, the bar has turned the lights on, it’s time to leave,” do you think 2020 would settle up and go away? Just when I thought this year couldn’t possibly get any weirder or depressing, Kanye West announced that he’s going to run for President of the United States. Is this just a publicity stunt? I don’t know. Is he really serious? For the love of all things holy, I truly hope not.

If you don’t know, Kanye West is a rapper with a clothing company. Generally, his music leans towards forgettable, declawed mall pop. However, one notable song, “Gold Digger,” featuring Jamie Foxx, includes absolutely butchered samples of Ray Charles’, “I Got a Woman“, so there’s that. Sadly, Mr. West’s clothing line matches his music. For $258 (originally $349), you can own a Yeezy sweatshirt (pictured above) that resembles a burlap sack without the charm or utility (Yoox.com).

Besides his “music” and sack store, West is also known for saying some interesting things. In 2008, West claimed that he would “go down as the voice of this generation” (NME.com). As a member of the same generation as West, I vehemently deny that the gentleman speaks for me. West has also expressed his belief that 400 years of slavery was actually a choice made by the enslaved (CNN.com). After the backlash, he tried to clarify his comment by saying he didn’t actually mean people became slaves of their own freewill, but because the number of enslaved people was greater than that of their oppressors, “we were mentally enslaved” (CNN.com). Clarified to perfection.

During an interview with Forbes this week, West explained his concept of running for president. He has decided that he will be running as a member of the “Birthday Party,” because, naturally, “when we win, it’s everybody’s birthday” (Forbes.com). West also is very concerned about a potential Covid-19 vaccine, as vaccines are “the mark of the beast…they want to put chips inside of us” (Forbes.com). Perhaps not surprising, West has some stunning views on women. ‘Nuff said.

In 2016, West was hospitalized for a “psychiatric emergency” (NYTimes.com) and opioid addiction (he became addicted as a result of liposuction) (USAToday.com). I would never disparage anyone for seeking help, but perhaps a leadership role is not in West’s best interest. Although, he’s free to try – there’s nothing in the Constitution that bars a would-be president based on “mental fitness” (Psychcentral.com).

At this point, West has missed deadlines “to be included on a number of state ballots as an independent candidate” (Fortune.com), but that doesn’t mean he won’t still make the attempt. Some could argue that West’s, famous for being famous, wife, Kim Kardashian’s adult film would pose as a detriment. But he needn’t worry: as a current president engages in public adultery and equates his genitalia to the “nuclear button” (NYTimes.com), a lack of dignity is clearly not a dealbreaker.

Democrat, Republican or Independent, our country needs a moderate, calm-thinker. We need a leader who is willing to compromise with all party lines and all people. This is not the time for over-the-top, inflammatory rhetoric. No matter who wins the presidency, we will be living in interesting times.

By this time next year, we might be paying our taxes in unbent paperclips – who knows? At least you can count on your Bourke Accounting experts to understand every new change that will affect your finances. In a chaotic world, the quiet, steady professionalism of Bourke Accounting’s bookkeepers and tax prepares never varies. Bourke Accounting’s customer service and knowledge are two things that will last.

Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!

Written by Sue H.