daperera, I agree with you in principle, however in cases where there is no incumbent (ie, termed out or "retiring" as in, Bush and Doo-little) I think we need to be very careful who we select to the open office. The Democrat party is leaning WAY to left for my comfort of late, with people like Pelosi and Reid as party leads. And frankly, the Republicans have left me really gobsmacked given they have thrown out the term conservative when it comes to the amount of spendiing you have seen them accomplish in the past 8 years. And when both parties agree to mess with the free market instead of letting it ebb and flow as it suppose to, eventually you end up with the mess we have right now. Government always says they'll step back after they're not needed, but the NEVER do, and I see them grabbing more not less. Obama promises the world and guess how he'll pay for it. McCain says he knows how to fix things, but he still bears the "scarlett R". Frankly, I'd say this country is quite the pickle, and both tickets are not the leaders we so desperately need right now. And for those 3rd party folks, I'm sorry but ya'll don't

have any traction to make a real go for it or I would try and vote that way....(however Nader looks older than Methusala, and Ron Paul doesn't look much far behind him or McCain).... and I haven't even researched their "vice presidential" partners.

It really is a sad situation. Congress ( and the CA legislature) keep proving that they deserve their miserable approval rating. The real problems of this country have been overlooked so that Congress can pass "feel good" legislation. They, both Parties, spend our money like there was an unlimited supply. Most of them seem to be bought and paid for by special interests. Obama spending half a billion dollars on his campaign really is obscene ( so much for campaign finance reform). Both candidates have been seriously bending the truth in their efforts to win vote. 2 year presidential campaigns should be against the law. Nobody can take that much BS. Nobody should have to take that much BS. If they can't convince me in 6 months to a year, they don't deserve my vote. I'm hoping that the 2012 Presidential Campaign doesn't start on November 5, 2008

keepingupdated I'm with you. I'm having a difficult time trying to find someone I WANT to vote for. Our Founding Fathers must be rolling over in their graves. This may turn out to be the first time in 50 years that I don't vote for a President.

Isn't it odd that this right wingnut country likes to spew about how much they hate taxes, followed by how much they governement, and on it goes. Taxes pay for the quality of life we have. If/When taxes are MISS-USED in governement expenditures, that's where term limits should kick in and clean house. Instead, we have pork spending, and mutual back-scratching "deals," and that is the problem. Taxes are good and patriotic--they are the life blood that gives us police, fire, schools, roads, parks, and yes, governement services, that I want. I don't want to have to wait in a line for two weeks to renew my driver's license or two years to get my day in court. I want to see the homeless and downtrodden who were born as coke babies and haven't had a break or a good day in their lives get some help--no not lavish, swank accommodations, but just a hot and a cot and freedom (instead of jailtime which is even more costly). To do that requires fat cats to release their white-knuckle grip on funds. I'm in favor of a "NET WORTH" progressive tax that will level the playing field. It should be in effect until the bailout is fully paid and the national debt is paid off.

Jim, interesting you throw most of the blame on the credit financial crisis on the "right wingnuts" instead of on ALL THOSE ELECTED into leadership positions or benefited from the sub prime greed grab frenzy. Seen those lefty "Sendlers?" 2.5B richer. None of congress is without a portion of the blame unless the voted against the CRA, and against the 1999 legislation and they listened when they were warned about the extent Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac were extending RISKY loans. YES, they were warned more than once, and Dodd and Barney (no right wingnuts, left maybe) said they saw no problems. Yeah, they saw no problems getting rich.

And me, I'm libertarian so don't start yelling at me about being a rightwing nutjob. I enjoy my police, fire, schools and roads as much as the next person and I have always paid my taxes.

I have a problem taxing small business into oblivion so that they can't maintain their employees or forcing a universal healthcare program onto them that they can't afford.

The answer is not "NETWORTH" progressive tax. The answer is find those culpable and prosecute them. Additionally, a flat tax is a FAIR tax, and coupled with a consumption tax which makes those who have more and spend more, pay more and those who have not and spend not, pay less.

Have a nice day.

I know we probably need to find some additional funds, but I worry that Congress, which likes to spend at least 110% of all tax receipts, will get hooked on the additional funds and find new ways of wasting them instead of helping solve the current crisis. Congress has earned its 17% approval rating ( and that was a week ago ), and are working hard at lowering this rating.

Constitutional Amendment - 4 year Congressional terms ( its dumb to be running for re-election

half your time in the House).

Constitutional Amendment - Term limits. 12 to 14 years in Congress and then join the ranks

working public.

Retired members of Congress can't lobby Congress for 5 years.

Constitutional Amendment to REALLY limit Campaign Contributions/Speeding. The Supreme Court

has given rich people more "free speech" ( through campaign contributions ) than than us

working stiffs.

No Campaigns longer than one year( the current one one has worn me out)

Often I sit back and ponder... knowing our fore fathers are turn over in their grave. By the way one of my favorite lines. Taxes insure our way of life? Wow that is a good one. A certain amount of taxes are needed... for the dribble you enjoy and call your way of life. I pay for my own garbage removal, my own energy, my own food and clothes, my own health care and dental care, my own retirement, my water, my sewer, my owned property to a private company, my owner property tax, self employment tax, sales tax and other hidden taxes. Oh yes I can go to the local park for free for now except ehen charged and I can drive on roads that are controlled by the government who hires contractors to maintain them.

So what am I getting for free..the right to drive on roads and go to free parks and have my children attend a educational facility that babysits children? Our way of life is an illusion of corruption and greed at all turns.... and the government is the head honcho! If you work ...get a clue ...you pay for everything that you have in your life ...there is no free lunch....and if you are getting a free lunch then you are part of the problem and someone that Barack can help. The more dependent on the government you are...the more socialistic he can mold you and your future country. The downfall of a democracy occurs when the citizens want more from the government... than they are willing to give in taxes and effort. Well seems to me that we have been heading for this event for some time and none of this was taught in schools...if it was... we would not be in this situation would we. I guess we have all had our hands in all the cookie jars.

The Federal Government was only created to protect our shores from foreign invasion....nothing more.

Obewan, Well said. Every time the Government helps me I get screwed.Liberals love those that won't help themselves, they are easy to mold in the Socialistic sense. Sit on your can and big brother will provide for you.

Have a great weekend