Politicians and head gear

By Richard K. Barry

Players from the U.S. Naval Academy's football team presented President Obama with a custom helmet. He was asked to put it on, which some people might consider a reasonable request. But the President didn't get to be president by being a fool. He politely declined.

"Here's a general rule," the president joked. "You don't put stuff on your head if you're president. That's politics 101. You never look good wearing something on your head."

The truth is that if you are a politician of any kind, or hope to be one, you should note this very important rule. Isn't that right, Mike Dukakis?