Can I have the soap box for a moment? Over the last ten years I've always got the feeling I was trying to vote for the least worst of the choices, not the best man for the job. While I'm only 33 I've come to realize that I've known quite a few people I'd consider to have great potential as leaders which has lead me to believe there are sooooo many more out there in our country (out of ~280 million, you'd think we could find a few great people who might want the job) Instead we get either idealists who squirm at the thought of sacrafice or cowboys goin' in w/ six shooters a'blazin. Why is that? Why is it we must always chose between left or right. I'd rather be in the center, which is where I think most of us are. Yet there is no "center" party. Hmmm. Money plays a very big factor, but then how are we supposed to hear what they have to say when they can't buy airtime or fund cross country plane/bus/train ride to as many places as possible so we can hear them speak. For a while I thought the internet might be a great way for a political party to get it's message out, but then I realized most people wouldn't bother. Especially when only about half of this country is eligable to vote and less than half of those actually vote! I think everyone should pause when you stop to think that 500 million votes were cast for "American Idol" but only 70 million votes (I might be a little off on that one, but I know I'm at least close) were cast for the last election. I don't think the answer soley lies with "fixing" the political process, but fixing the mindset of americans as well. It is our government! The ones WE elect are mere servants and they need to be reminded of that. The only way that happens is when the voters actually become proactive and informed. Not something most poeple want to put much time into these days. And if we need an example of what CAN happen just take a look a Palistin (I can't spell either). From what I've read it seems they voted for the terroist party mainly because they were tired of the corruption of the ruling party. Unfortunatly for them, they might have cut off their heads to spite their nose, but the point is the voters need to vote! One more quick point: if we could get quality leaders in government then the current terms that are in place now would be just fine. Now that I've rambled on past my bedtime I'll yeild my remaining characters I have left to type (and soapbox) to the distingushed v20 member below! ;D