The Disenfranchised Electorate

This election more than any other it is becoming abundantly clear that the political process as it now stands has actually disenfranchised the electorate and people for whom the government is supposed to serve. This year more than any other there are more registered Independents, and many more simply choosing not to choose. The power of your vote seems rather meaningless when the choices are really no choice at all. One of the two (who are becoming more and more as one) will remain in power, and the status quo basically will remain. It was recently announced that John McCain has even selected ex-employees of Karl Rove (Bush's architect) to act as his campaign advisors, and Barack Obama is now backing down from many of his former positions with respect to both the war, and in focusing on a "global" rather than "American" message.

The missing link in all of this is that it is the two corporate political parties that control and govern the political process. Such was not the case to the degree it is now. In order to put the power back into the hands of the electorate, and our of the political parties and corporate interests, and also level the playing fields there is one major change and suggestion that might get our country back on track once again. It is found in our Constitution.

The small additional provision to write in or legislatively mandate that the "option," of "none of the above," be afforded to every American. If the "none of the above" option wins, then we have a "run off" election returning to the original method of selecting our president. Each citizen is afforded a ballot and option of voting for two members of the elected Congress (including the President if incumbent), one of which may not be a senator or representative from his state of residency. The candidate then who receives the greatest number of votes is then named President, the candidate with the second greatest number is then Vice President, regardless of party affiliation. The Vice President has little official duties, but is mainly there as a replacement for the President if death or illness prevents his executing the duties of his office. This "runner up" should be left to the electorate also, and not simply to the candidates who are less concerned about qualifications for office, than in just how many votes their selection might bring them. Now, it's less about presidential leadership ability, than about winning an election. This is about what is right for the country, not for the candidates.

And the winners should be announced quietly then on the Senate floor. Sorry, Fox, CNN and MSNBC. This isn't a media blitz or gossip fest, it's an election.

Or at least it's supposed to be.