Man of the Year

Man Of The Year was released on DVD recently and I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy. The movie was ok, nothing I would put up for academy review but it was a tremendous example of how ridiculous our acceptance of politican mediocrity has become.

In the movie, the main character Tom Dobbs, a politico-comedian in the likes of John Stewert is emboldened by his audience to seek the office of President of the United States. Over the first few weeks of his campaign he attempts to "legitamize" his candidacy by talking about the issues just like every other candidate and basically bores his rally attendants to death. Its not until he is "enlightened" on the ways of politics by his opponents in the debate that he fights back using the one weapon he knows well, common-sense humor. Humor aside our politicians are so lock step, afraid of offending their "BASE" that no only can't we trust them, we've come to the acceptance that this is the best we're going to get and nothing we can do will change it.

We need to blow away the two party monopoly that exists and get candidates not afraid to call a spade a spade. Why can't we get a candidate who will point out the flaws of the party. Well we all know the reason for that... but nothing is locking us as Americans into voting for our affiliated party. I think we need to ask ourselves , "Why is it that I vote Republican", "Why is it that I vote Democrat". If the answer to that question is I just always have" or because I don't like (insert Republican's or Democrats here).. then I would suggest that we need to re-evaluate why we vote at all.

Our candidates, all our candidates should be forced by the voters to outline their positions on issues and not only lipservice people... questions need to be pointed...
If elected, and a bill came to your desk supporting further restrictions on abortion would you vote yes or no and why
Where does the money that comes into your campaign come from? - Will you submit it for publication?

I think I'd like a candidate like Tom Dobbs; not afraid to ask pointed questions at his opponents and demand an answer. When you don't get one, ask why are you avoiding the question? Just as in the climax of the movie this candidate probably wouldn't be successful but if we demand that our candidates be of this mind one will eventually and it would be one step in reclaiming our democracy.