Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Dear President Elect,
Congratulations on your hard-won victory. Now the work begins, and in the weeks ahead you will be making some much-publicized appointments.
I know how things work in D.C. -- I make big donations to your campaign and you appoint me some cushy position in the new Administration. And I've done my part, donating more than double the amount of your average donor. And now it's payback time - I'm here with my hand out, humbly requesting that you honor your part of the deal.
An Ambassadorship to one of the world's wine growing countries would be nice. France or Italy would be our preference, though I imagine we could settle nicely in Spain or Germany or Austria as well.
Of course, you may already have candidates in mind for these posts, and I'm not sure how much political currency is in my account after a $200 donation and a few phone calls. So if I'm over-reaching, allow me to suggest a more humble position - that of White House Sommelier.
All kidding aside, I hope you agree that your new wine steward should build the white house cellar to showcase the diverse wines of our great nation. There are many exciting developments in the 6,000+ wineries found in our various American Viticultural Areas - from those on the West Coast to those on Long Island and everywhere in between (including over 70 wineries in your own Great State of Illinois.) The vast majority of these producers are small family-run affairs, with all the vagaries of agricultural uncertainty adding to the usual stresses and strains of the small business experience. Want to meet an American business hero? Look no further than the small winery owner.
The White House cellar should reflect the best efforts of these most venerable entrepreneurs. I urge you to select your Sommelier not only for his or her wine knowledge, but for his or her zealous enthusiasm and promotion of these American businesses at every state dinner.
Cheers!
Dave the Wine Merchant
P.S. Should you have difficulty in making your selection, I've taken the liberty of polling a few opinions - see what the blogosphere has to say... (can't see the survey? Link to it here.)
