Folks, this started as a joke on Facebook two days ago. I posted a picture of a Sci Fi character from a TV series Stargate SG 1 in a group of sci fi lovers.  It gathered an impressive number of ‘likes’ by that group’s standards. The picture also generated spin-offs:

The most interesting part is what people are saying about the idea of Sam Carter as a presidential candidate.

Some people just express excitement and support:

Then the debates became more specific. Namely, is Samantha Carter a natural born citizen. Folks got down to business pulling all kinds of research. 

The most contemptuous part of the debates was around whether Carter is a Democrat or Republican. Both sides wanted Carter badly. Some wanted Carter to be an independent. This is an unheard of reaction in the real world,  a character that highly satisfied everyone. 

Another thing that seemed to resonate  with the folks is the reality of negative adds and spin-offs in these elections.

It also got too real at times. I won’t post the most frustrated comments here, although there were a few, but they  were so laden with profanity, I wouldn’t be able to edit them. The gist of those complaints are, that  we should stop fulling  around and slide into the fantasy world, that the country’s destiny is at stake, which was followed by the arguments pro and con certain candidates.

Some folks,however, fantasized that all major candidates need to somehow magically vanish.

So what is it about Samantha Carter that resonates with the people? Here are some comments to that extant.

Take a look at this iconic scene of Carter in the pilot episode of Stargate SG1. This is how Carter was introduced to the show: qualified, tough, assertive. She can handle whatever men  can handle.

Rather  quickly, Sam was accepted into the team and became an indispensable character. Other characters  learned to rely on her and trust her work ethic. The show was on air for over 10 years (including several movies and franchises). This is a long time for Carter to develop her career. Carter  received  several promotions and rose to the top ranks in the military. She saved the world several times from various invaders, and was not shy confronting domestic corrupt politicians.

I think we instinctively know good leadership when we see it. So  why do we fail to acknowledge it in real life? Why do we compromise? Why do we feel trapped with the proposed options of marginally  appropriate candidates? Why do we expect them to ‘change the rhetoric’ (basically to lie in our face) instead of changing their attitudes?

So when in doubt,  draw on television, literature, or mythology, whichever you prefer. These stories are a part of our psyche and contain examples of what ethics, integrity, leadership, and courage looks like. I’m leaving you with this fan music video featuring Sam Carter. Enjoy.