by Peter Joseph Swanson
Member since:
April 13, 2007

Gather Poll: Who Are America's Brightest and Bravest ???

July 10, 2008 12:34 PM EDT
views: 85 | rating: 10/10 (21 votes) | comments: 59

In general, as a group, who is the brightest and bravest in America.  You can only vote once, for one.

 

School Teachers

Drag Queens

Astronauts

Military People

Police

Firefighters

Farmer/Ranchers

Movie Stars

Geologists

Pastors/Priests

other (you tell me)

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Comments: 59

Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 12:35pm EDT
I want to vote Drag Queens but I HAVE to vote for Astronauts.

ha ha
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 12:36pm EDT
Joan Crawford didn't get where she was by being a dim coward, but I could only vote once.
Ginny H. Jul 10, 2008, 12:44pm EDT
Geologists? Not too fun if you are in a volcano when it's blowing.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 12:47pm EDT
ha ha, Drag Queens attending NASCAR would be brave - but not bright.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 12:48pm EDT
I don't know why I have a super soft spot in my heart for Geologists. But I just do.
Barbara B. Jul 10, 2008, 12:54pm EDT
Hands down, astronauts. What the space program has brought to us as a global community is just far and away the best thing for all of us. Their bravery, skill and knowledge dwarfs all of the other choices you have placed there Peter.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 12:58pm EDT
Astronauts are so cool.

(but Drag Queens WILL NOT be dwarfed)
Hard-nosed newswomen.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 1:07pm EDT
I forgot to put CIA Spy. James Bond was no wuss.
Peter Joseph, my dear, James Bond worked under her majesty. Interesting visual.

The CIA is...is...Us?
Yes, Jeff and from what I gather, one of his relatives, now let's see, his name is McBush or McSame, is now running for his place.
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 1:17pm EDT
Peter, what about dwarf Drag Queens (or should that be vertically challenged persons of indeterminate gender identity)?
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 1:18pm EDT
Lois,

But James Bond had an opposite number in the CIA, Felix Leiter, who got a leg and a hand chewed off by a shark and still kept going. So CIA Spy is still a pretty good bet.
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 1:19pm EDT
However, I have to vote for firemen, because one of my good hot-sauce making friends is a fireman (seems like a natural occupation for a hot-sauce maker... what you create with the one hand you put out with the other).
Sarah (I want points) Jul 10, 2008, 1:22pm EDT
I personally would have to vote for teachers first. Not only are they putting their lives in danger, but they are teaching others to become the brightest and bravest...

View my latest article here: 100 word story
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 1:23pm EDT
I was just assuming we had James Bond types, too.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 1:24pm EDT
Firemen are hot.

(and Firewomen, too)
Kay M. Jul 10, 2008, 1:29pm EDT
Too hard. I can't pick just one. Geologists are cool though. I was going to be one and then I changed my major.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 1:37pm EDT
Lady scientists were always so cool in those 50s movies.
Point taken Jonathan. Sharks can be vicious, but I wouldn't go to court without one.
Kimber L. Jul 10, 2008, 1:42pm EDT
Interesting question!!! I need to think about it more !
Chris E. Jul 10, 2008, 1:45pm EDT
Military & Police would be my answer.

"Firemen are hot.
and Firewomen, too) "

hahaha That is funny. No pun intended right?
Brightest doesn't always go with bravest. That's a problem for me. Can I give 2 answers?
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 2:19pm EDT
That's a good point, Sue. Can we vote for one of each?
Lori F. Jul 10, 2008, 2:23pm EDT
Dragqueens get my vote.
Ron B. Jul 10, 2008, 2:23pm EDT
Full time moms with small children.
Rob Appell Jul 10, 2008, 2:28pm EDT
Seeing how my name isn't on the list, I'll have to go with other...and please don't mistake me for being in the Drag Queen category. (I was also a school teacher once...and have appeared in a couple motion pictures as well...so maybe I'm a cross over...not to be confused with a cross dresser.)
donna h. Jul 10, 2008, 2:36pm EDT
Being that Navy Mom...of course I am swayed in the Military Direction
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 2:38pm EDT
Bright AND Brave !!!
Well I just can't think of any group that I would define as both bright and brave except maybe, stunt pilots.
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 2:51pm EDT
Sue - I think stunt pilots qualify on the brave count, but I'm not sure about bright - in fact I think you'd have to be distinctly the other way to want to do that for a living...
I was thinking the exact same thing after I entered that, Jonathan. :)
school teachers (but I am biased)
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Jul 10, 2008, 2:55pm EDT
astronauts as I think they are the only ones that clearly fit into both categories, the rest may be brave but are idiots or bright but are cowardly or neither brave nor bright LOL
And you can't tell me that teachers in inner city schools around the country aren't brave for showing up for work every day.
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Jul 10, 2008, 2:55pm EDT
I'm going to get crucified for this one, but I strongly believe the saying, "Those that can't do, teach"
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 2:59pm EDT
Melissa, I'm a professional trainer (after spending 10 years in the field doing what I now teach others how to do). "Those who can't do, teach" is a canard perpetuated by "those who do because they can't teach."
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 3:00pm EDT
And I should mention that the corollary of "those who can't do, teach" is "those who can't teach, become critics."
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Jul 10, 2008, 3:09pm EDT
Jonathan - those who do usually have no desire to teach, such as myself. Not to mention I've been told a ton of times I'd be a great teacher so your comments don't make any sense to me.
The Red Headed Witch of Gather G. Jul 10, 2008, 3:10pm EDT
However, like I said, I think those who teach can't do so I'm here proving I can do.

10 years in the field and now you teach....apparently there is a reason for that. Obviously the doing got to be too much for you.
Ellie W. Jul 10, 2008, 3:12pm EDT
Astronauts for sure. I'd say they're the craziest too. There's no way I'll be volunteering to send my ass up into space anytime soon.
The reality is that to teach is to do. If you can't do it, you really can't effectively teach others to do do it.
I want to change my vote to astronauts. May I? Please, may I, Peter? Please don't disqualify my vote. I think my stunt pilot answer gave them the astronaut idea anyway.

Will you still let my vote count, Peter? Puh..........lease......????????????
John S. (arizona) Jul 10, 2008, 3:34pm EDT
Stay at home Moms... Kids are both tough and scary to raise.
Jonathan S. Jul 10, 2008, 3:44pm EDT
Thank you Shelley. That's my exact point.
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 10, 2008, 4:23pm EDT
Yes, you can change your votes, ha ha.
Marge H. Jul 10, 2008, 6:28pm EDT
Astronauts
Rachel B. Jul 10, 2008, 8:24pm EDT
Teachers, Military, Police and Firefighters
Lance L. Jul 10, 2008, 8:30pm EDT
A mom that's an astronaut.
Lance L. Jul 10, 2008, 8:30pm EDT
. . . who teaches
Thank you for your acceptance of my changed vote, Peter. You're such a doll! :)
Mark-John K. Jul 11, 2008, 10:09am EDT
I nominate the "Greatest Generation"...and Thank them for Kicking the Ass of the Gerry and the Japs. And, who, sadly aren't around here much anymore...
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 11, 2008, 12:20pm EDT
You're welcome, dollface (30s slang)
Peter Joseph Swanson Jul 11, 2008, 12:20pm EDT
No, Tinch is.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Jul 11, 2008, 2:53pm EDT
I would say firefighters
Bethany C. Jul 11, 2008, 3:39pm EDT
I have to say Pastors/Priests!
And not just because I preach. I am currently not a pastor, thank God! I have been, though.
Pastors and I imagine Priests, too, (though I've only known a few of those) have love for people or they wouldn't do what they do. You gotta be bright to know that loving people is important.
But you gotta be brave to deal with the same people all the time.
People who think they know everything.
People who have problems and expect you to fix them.
People who get mad if you let one person sing and not another.
People who sin and then expect you to beat down everybody else who sins but them.
You get the picture. Brave men and women, pastors!

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