Column: No ideal candidate makes for hard choice at election time

In the 12th century, a series of natural disasters hit the Middle Kingdom — China. After the disasters, in the Forbidden City, officials reported to the emperor that people did not have enough rice to eat as a result of the disasters. Without much empathy, the emperor responded that the people should eat more meat.

From that time on in China, when a person is out of touch with society or does not truly understand the plight of others, this story is used to describe that person.

Unfortunately, this story can be applied today to Gov. Mitt Romney. For example, when discussing health care, he stated that an individual, even with no health insurance, can go to emergency room and get care when he or she is seriously sick.

What he failed to realize and understand is the state of mind of the individual. With no health insurance, there is a fear of the unknown and a lack of security. Fear is enemy No. 1 to happiness.

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