Politicos ‘dumpster-dive’ to put lid on trash talk

If U.S. Track and Field officials are enduring scrutiny over their third-place winner dilemma, it could be worse. As far as I know, no USTAF muckety-muck, is being (oh, let’s use the polite term) “vetted” for Mitt Romney’s running mate.

Now that is scrutiny. In the public brawl known as national politics, politicos try to dig up the dirt on rising stars in their party before the opposition sharpens its shovels.

It’s not surprising, then, to learn that scrutiny (which means close examination) evolved from the Latin word, scruta, for trash. As I write, certain staffers of the Romney campaign may very well be “dumpster-diving” into the lives of potential VP choices to ensure that nothing embarrassing emerges after Romney announces his selection.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida are likely among those under consideration. According to Todd Domke, a writer for Boston’s NPR radio station, they and all other potential potentates will have to pass the P.O.E.-P.A.A.R.-P.A.L.I.N. Test.

To learn more about the test, head to http://www.wbur.org/2012/06/27/romney-vp-pick.

Photos special to the Sentinel

Men are apt to mistake the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument. The heated mind resents the chill touch and relentless scrutiny of logic.  -- William E. Gladstone

Close scrutiny will show that most ‘crisis situations’ are opportunities to either advance, or stay where you are.  -- Maxwell Maltz