Friday, February 15, 2008

My political gripe

I have to take a minute to complain about politics and elections. I vote, always have since I turned 18, I believe it is important.
But I have to say I am finally annoyed with it all for several reasons.

1.) The campaigning lasts way too long, it is utterly ridiculous for it start over a year before the elections.

2.) The money that goes into these campaigns. You have all these wealthy people, up there talking about the middle class, the poor, campaign finance reform and at the same time have "war chests" in the millions. Why can't that money go to a program that is getting cut in a budget, or help feed and cloth those in need, or help pay medical bills for those struggling? It just seems so hypocritical to me to listen to their speeches about low income struggles and health insurance for all while they are sitting on millions.
It also bugs me outright that my party emails me weekly asking for money. I refuse to give money to politicians and even though I have expressed this, it doesn't stop the pleading for more money.

3.) They all have campaign promises but rarely do you hear how they will get it done or any specifics of their plans.

4.) many times you don't even know exactly what they stand for or what they have voted for or fought for in the past (yes you can find it out, but it takes alot of research).

5.) The ads on TV, they make my blood boil. I cannot stand how they twist facts on their opponents (they are all guilty of it), the negative ads, the trash talking drives me nuts!!

So what I propose:
1.) You can only "campaign" six months before the first primary. And my idea of campaigning is this:
There is one general website for the election and within it:
Each person has their own website which they pay for. On this website, they lay out exactly what they stand for in all areas (taxes, war/terrorism, abortion, education, health insurance, environment, etc..) and linked with these are their voting records in these areas.
They also have to lay out any and all groups they are associated with (political, social, etc..).
They have to state what they plan to accomplish while in office and exactly how they plan to do this.

There will be an oversight group who will monitor these sites for inaccuracies, lies, or distortions.
There can be no negative information regarding their opponents.

In regards to TV ads, only one ad per politician per state and it can only air one-two times a day and it cannot be a negative one. Facts need to be stated only.

For those without internet, everytthing that is on those websites will be available in paper copies, free to all registered voters.

Politicans cannot raise more than 500K, nor can they use their own money. Since there is less actual campaigning there is no need for all that cash.

Debates can and should continue.

So that is my proposal, I am pretty sure no one in politics will listen, but a girl can dream, can't she?

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