Isn't it ironic that

[kandrathe]

I see. It's the usual complaining about greedy politicians again. Wasn't that matter dealt with, over 2 years ago already?

No, you don't see. It's not the "usual" complaining about greedy politicians. Has it been dealt with? Did they pass the Fair Elections Now Act?

The point is understanding the nexus of who finances campaigns and the psychology of advertising. The American people are habituated to filling their brains from the fountains of propaganda we call TV sets. Sound bites and deceptive or misleading ads become "TRUTH" when repeated over, and over. People no longer even know what their elected representatives actually do in Washington.

The topic was how American politics has become degraded since 1950.

My claim was that with the advent of A) special interest groups and lobbyists, and B) multiple millions spent on advertising, that almost any stupid ape could get elected for public office. The first party has the agenda and the funding, the second party makes it scrumptious for the American voters. The difference between a "McCain/Palin", and a "Obama/Biden" is negligible. Neither want to really discuss issues, but rather toss out vague visions and appetizing sound bites to mollify the people into choosing them. The media and advertisers would have us all think differently, and have us at each others throat.

Here's the big secret of this election... With nearly 1 trillion dollars now committed to bailing out this financial mess, who here really thinks either an Obama, or a McCain campaign promise to spend a dime on anything else is worth a hill of beans? The United States is facing having its bond rating lowered from AAA which would really mess up the deficit and the budget further. Here is a warning by Moody from January. (link)

So, here's an idea. First amendment considerations aside, restrict political advertising from radio and television. Political programming would be acceptable if equal treatment is given to candidates (and here I would like that to be major and minor) and the program were at least 30 minutes duration.