The Dallas Morning News is speculating that Lance Armstrong may be on the verge of a career in politics. He apparently made quite an impression on some by his successful advocacy of Prop 15, a taxpayer-funded cancer research program here in Texas. Some people are even throwing around the word “hero” to describe his recent political efforts.
I am less enamored of Mr. Armstrong’s political skills. I’m not saying he doesn’t have them; I’m just questioning the idea that political skills are something to be lauded. I realize that I’m in the minority on this, but I challenge the notion that it is heroic to threaten Texas taxpayers with homelessness if they don’t support a politically favored charity. In my book, a real hero would have worked to raise Prop 15’s $3 billion on a voluntary basis. Given Lance Armstrong’s tremendous popularity here in Texas, and his experience with his LiveStrong organization, I have no doubt whatsoever that he could have raised this amount and possibly much more. Unfortunately, he decided to pursue the political means instead.
Armstrong’s reputation as a politician may be on the rise, but I don’t see that as a cause for celebration. I don’t mean to be too critical of the man – I accept that he has noble goals in mind. I just wish we all paid as much attention to the means as we do to the ends. If we did, we might reconsider using the word “hero” to describe politicians.
