Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Suggestions for Improving the Federal Government.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the government and what needs to change and what improvements need to be made. While I have never claimed to be a political animal, here are my two cents worth.

1. Vote EVERY incumbent out of office. If change is truly needed, then let's start with a clean slate!
2. Regardless of who you vote for president, split your vote between the house and senate. Vote for one party in the senate and the other in the house. I don't believe any party should have complete control of the government.
3. Increase the House terms to four years. Nothing gets done in two years and these people are now running for re-election full time.
4. Three terms in the house (per item 3) or two terms in the senate and your done! It appears that most scandals involve long time members of Congress. Don't allow them to become so entrenched that they consider themselves above the law.
5. Only voter approved issues may be discussed during the campaign (health care, education, military issues, etc.). No name calling, etc.
6. Campaign spending limits. No candidate is allowed to buy the election by virtue of the ability to raise a war chest and simply out spend their opponent for campaign ads.
7. An independent jury of 13 voters approves all campaign ads.
8. No candidate may declare their intentions nor file for office before Jan. 2 of any election year. The first primary will be held on March 1, and the last primary on May 25.
9. No radio or television talking heads are allowed during an election year. Rush Limbaugh and Al Franken can take a long, and much needed vacation.
10. All television coverage of debates must be void of on going graphs, charts, score cards or any attempt to tell me who is winning or losing the debate (cough, CNN, cough). Quit trying to influence my opinion. I am perfectly capable of coming to my own conclusions.
11. The two presidential candidates must spend 30 days on the campaign trail together and share a room. They might actually find that they have more in common than they have differences.
12. Each candidate must open and close every debate with prayer. Maybe if they are reminded that they are accountable to a higher power, they will act a little more civilized. Maybe not.
13. Vote!!! Incredible visionaries gave birth to this great nation. Incredible men and women of valor have given their lives in battle that we might freely pursue happiness. You have more than a right to vote, you have an obligation to improve this country. God bless America, and Lord, please save us from ourselves.