Politics

It is the time of year when newspapers and magazines are filled with news (?) about candidates for political office. From the President of the United States all the way down to Mayor, we are inundated with statements about each candidate's character, their positions on specific issues and their experience or lack of experience.
I wonder whatever happened to the fundamental issues? I'm not real interested in whether or not a candidate will make choices that will increase my purchasing power or insure that my 401(k) will be safe from failure. It seems to me most candidates tend to cast their positions to the crowd to whom they are speaking.
What I want to know, though, is more fundamental.
For example, what do the candidates for President really believe about the role of the Executive Branch of government? Do they believe that judges- appointed by the executive branch with the approval of the legislative branch- really have the right to make policy? I know one candidate says he will appoint only strict constitutionalists, and the other will appoint those most qualified, but those affirmations don't answer the question.
I want to know if the candidates for executive positions (mayor, state governors) truly understand the relationship among the branches of the government. OR, do they believe that as executives they have the right to act unilaterally (and by the way, historically both Republican AND Democratic presidents have done so)? If they believe in the need to act in this way, what criteria do they use?
Those running for legislative offices (city council, state representative, state senate and United States House and Senate) need to articulate their philosophy of governance- not just remind me of what their opponent did or did not vote for or against!
Judges at all levels should have to courage to define their positions- is the United States Constitution enough? Do we need to borrow from European courts, and other philosophies of government?
And the one question I'd like to hear all candidates address- What are effective ways of disagreeing without being disagreeable? I for one am weary of the strident tone I hear- if you don't agree with this candidate or that candidate you are truly an enemy of America and freedom!
Just maybe if these were the kind of questions posed and answered we might elect people who truly have a clue as to what needs to be done.
I am tired of the reactive forms of government intervention. The closer we are to a major election it seems that both Democrat and Republican feel a need to prove they can intervene, they can solve the crises. Let's be honest. The housing mortgage crisis was created by greed. People bought more than they can afford and banks allowed it (loaning sometimes up to 110% of the value of the house) so everyone could have what they wanted. So where in the constitution is is a fundamental right for me to own a newer, larger home than the one I already own? The current credit crisis was created by people like me- I didn't want to wait for purchases, so I used credit cards. Now I am paying some stiff interest rates because I didn't have the discipline to wait. Where is it written that a fundamental right of mine is to have things I really can't afford? I realize health care is in crisis. Insurance is expensive. So if we allow the government to intervene- which both major parties suggest at some level- will that really solve the problem? Raising taxes on cigarettes and alcohol is attractive to me because I don't smoke or drink. But if we raise the taxes and eliminate those behaviors, will they start taxing diet soda? Will they impose taxes on popcorn? Fried foods? Pizza? Where does that end?
If you hear some frustration in this you are hearing me correctly.
Is there a way to change the process where we can hear candidates discuss the issues that are truly important?

Gov. Palin

What a choice! I am inspired by McCain's choice of Gov. Palin as a runningmate. Though the buzz is she has no experience, in truth, as Gov. she has more executive experience than anyone else on the ticket from either party. Congressmen, Senators, Community Organizers, Law Professors are all noble and significant jobs. But they do not compare to the responsibilities of mayor's and governors.
I was very impressed with Gov. Palin's speech on Wednesday evening. I have no doubt that she is more than able to stay even with Sen. Joe Biden. Certainly he has more direct experience in foreign affairs, but isn't the real issue the principles and ideas that direct our foreign affairs? In that category I firmly believe that
Republican's in general have a better handle on what it means to put country first!