The big warm up is here

Dale Drozen

(Updated: Thursday, February 25, 2010, 1:25 PM)

Day after day I watch the great debate in progress.

Who has the better map AT&T or Verizon? I sit and wonder how both can have the best coverage, how both can have the best service. My cell phone works fine for my needs and I could care less about, whatever 3G is or how it works.

The problem I have is with the concept of two people standing there telling you two completely opposite and incompatible declarations. They can't both be true but there they are looking you straight in the face like it is a declaration from the creator.

I call this the big warm up because we are beginning the run up to the June elections. Each candidate will be the best, the right choice, promising to fulfill all of your wildest wishes, promising doom and gloom if the opponent is elected. Ballot initiative arguments will be about as believable as a carnival pitchman on the midway.

I am amazed at how we are surprised by the problems in our government. How could it possibly be any different. The election is not decided by the people -- it is decided by the professional campaign industry.

I have been watching one local race for a state office. I have talked with only one of the candidates about his positions and beliefs. He currently serves in public office.

If I discuss his chances with anybody I am told he doesn't have a chance. His opponent is out fundraising him two to one. Nobody wants to discuss his voting record or his outlook on issues. He is simply written off because he will be outspent.

If we simply elect the biggest fundraiser, who by coincidence is also the biggest spender, and quite possibly the biggest liar, what type of "public servant" do you think we will get?

I have given up on demanding anything from politicians, they just look the other way and shuffle papers while you speak. We need to demand some service from the media. I remember when the media would actually fact check something before it was printed.

I remember when you could go someplace and actually hear candidates debate issues. I remember when truth of a statement was actually important. We can't expect to elect good representatives or pass reasonable laws unless we are willing to do our homework.

My guess is, there will be a lot of coin flipping in the ballot booth. Then there will be a lot of hand-wringing because the system just does not work.