Article November 3, 2008 Issue

IN ELECTIONS, BE ON THE SAME PAGE AS GOD

BY WALTER RODGERS

Many years ago when Lenin was passing from the political stage, there was great speculation as to who would inherit the mantle of the Communist Revolution and succeed him as the Soviet leader.

At that time, a group of Western "experts" on Russia was assembled to read Russia's political tea leaves. Some predicted Bukharin would next lead the Soviet Union. Others ventured Trotsky, Zinoviev, Kamenev, and several other prominent figures in the Revolution as likely successors. (Ironically, no one in the group of experts mentioned Stalin, who ultimately became Lenin's heir.) Finally, the last of the so-called expert analysts was asked who he thought would succeed Lenin. He replied, "I don't know." That fellow, so the story goes, has since been regarded as the true expert on Russia.

That ability to candidly reply, "I don't know," was an acknowledgment of humility that might well serve voters everywhere—from Canada, to China, to Iraq—and those entering polling booths in this year's US presidential election. Sometimes it's just wise to reexamine one's most strongly held opinions to see if they still have currency and validity.