Taking stock of the real investment in America

By Christoper Tidmore
Contributing Columnist

God forbid that Americans would elect a middle-class vice president, who could understand the trials and tribulations of living paycheck to paycheck. Imagine the terrible fate of our nation if the electorate decides, for once, to send to Washington a candidate unable to boast of a bank account of millions upon taking office?

The worst criticism levied against Tim Walz – at present – is that he lacks a portfolio of stocks, bonds and securities. Fox pundit Jesse Watters went so far as to contend that not owning a stock certificate means that Governor Walz “has never invested in America!”

Or should Watters have referred to him as Coach Walz? After all, he spent decades guiding young people both as a teacher in the classroom and a trainer on the gridiron. No, perhaps Watters should call him Command Sergeant Major Walz, a title he earned after 24 years serving in the Nebraska and Minnesota Army National Guards – despite pundits retroactively seeking to rob him of his rank. In fact, he could have kept that last military title and bolstered up his pension even further (perhaps to buy some stocks), but Walz thought it constituted a conflict of interest to serve in a military role and run for Congress at the same time.

Ultimately, Walz spent his entire life in public service work so unremunerative that it took every dime he and his wife earned just to buy a house and raise a family. They only sold their home – their only asset – when the newly elected governor moved into the Governor’s Mansion in Saint Paul.

In other words, the worst criticism made of the Democratic vice presidential candidate is that he resembles most of us. Nearly half of Americans lack the luxury and financial means to own stocks and bonds, but many invest in America in other ways. They serve in the military, they teach children, or they commit to a life of public service in some capacity. Tim Walz literally did all of these.

What a slap in the face to Americans Jesse Watters rendered when he took the day-to-day commitments to America, which so many regular people embrace, and implied that the financial cost that they endure in return does not constitute an investment in this nation. Many pay a price in the pocketbook to be patriots, and to imply those painful choices somehow constitute lack of investment compared to calling a broker and buying a stock certificate borders on delusion.

In a speech last week, Walz observed to members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, “The people in this room built the middle class. When unions are strong, America is strong.” It was a room populated, in large part, by first responders, many of whom do not earn enough even to purchase a house much less buy a stock, yet these public servants put their lives on the line every day to save lives and protect this nation. Perhaps Mr. Watters wishes to imply a lack of investment in America on their part. After all, all they put on the line is their most precious blood.

This article originally published in the August 19, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.