Awash in political hogwash!

This is one of my least-favorite times of the year - not only am I hammered by the constant pleadings for money by the local NPR station, but I'm bombarded by endless shrill charges and countercharges by political candidates. With the general election only four weeks away, the number of media ads, recorded phone calls, and junk political mailings is skyrocketing...but the amount of useful, thoughtful information they provide is plummeting.

When was the last time you heard a politician - any politician - laying out his (or her) agenda and exactly how he (or she) would implement it? Chances are, the honest answer is "never." It's much easier to smear your opponent with half-truths and accusations than it is to clearly explain what you yourself stand for and what your program is. Is it any wonder that voters are turned off, and the percentage of eligible voters who actually go to the polls continues to decline?

For me, recorded political ads pushed to my telephone are the worst - not only do they provide no useful information, but they don't even allow me the satisfaction of telling someone on the other end what I think. Not that they care.

Be sure to vote on November 7th. It'll be hard to make an informed decision on the basis of the drivel the parties put out, but do your best. The alternative is to be governed by the louts who are the better dirt-slingers.

Have a good day. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo