Election

Election season is one of my least favorite times.  While some view it as a celebration of freedom and democracy, I view it as a several month period that puts on display the worst of America.  Instead of trying to debate issues and offer varying suggestions for improving the country and lives of its people, there is some of that - but the bulk of time, money, energy is spent tearing down the other side.  And I'll say it right now... don't comment about one side or the other, because BOTH sides are equally guilty of throwing mud and generally behaving like children (or actually probably worse).  It's just sad because I feel like this year more than ever many moderate people, like myself, who just want solutions regardless of party affiliation, are stuck trying to determine who we think has lied, mislead, and twisted facts the least.  

A proposal for the next election: debates no longer live.  Tape them and an independent group of fact checkers will check facts (blind - they won't know who said what), three people will check each fact to help limit bias.  If a candidate is deemed to lie, misstate/distort facts or grossly mislead through context his statements will be muted or cut from the debate.  I think candidates would be far more real and honest if they know their BS won't be communicated to the mass audience.  The issues facing the country are far too important to be made with contorted facts and information that is just plain wrong.

This is only a fraction of the ranting I have in mind on the topic of politics and government... but I'll leave it at that for now ;)