Crap Shooting, Politically Speaking

Something must be done about the mountainous deluge of misinformation in campaign ads on television. "Anything goes" has to stop! It will be no loss. This year the character of these ads has been so spiteful and the sheer volume so heavy, this form of educating the public is no longer helpful. We citizens are left mind-weary and hopelessly confused. Campaign ads are now nothing more than an annoying irritation, and they insult the intelligence of the voting public, as well. Several weeks ago already many people in my community started muting the TV screen when one came on, but more recently it's become nearly impossible to escape the onslaught. My daughter and I have turned to reading more books and watching less TV. But this is not enough.

Unfortunately, this political crap shooting is part of a much bigger problem. Supreme Court decisions forty years ago and earlier this year have through judicial expansions of the First Amendment given undue political advantages to big money, both Republican and Democratic. One of our members of Congress told me personally it is now so invasive, he is not sure our democracy can survive it. The excessiveness of today's campaign ads is pretty much due to the overriding influence of these groups.

We can and must hold our politicians responsible for changing this sordid situation. The office of politician has long carried the burden of a reputation for dirty campaigning, but that's no reason for it to continue. The job of representing the people should bring dignity and honor. They have a big and important responsibility─to protect our people from enemies within and without. No profession is more vital, for where would we as a country be if terrorism were not held in check and enemies were allowed to conquer our shores and overtake our borders, denying our people the free democratic way of life we have and love? Ads for candidates can and should reflect the respect due this important profession.

This matter is taking a lot of the joy out of the electoral process, isn't it? This is not our America. This is not what we stand for. I'm waiting to hear from our candidates, to see if and to what extent they are concerned about it. And, even more important, what they hope or plan to do about it. Isn't it time our country grew up, to bring out the best that is in us instead of ugly, dirty in-fighting?

Your friend—battle-scarred, wondering, and waiting...
Margaret