Presidential Candidates Spend $2 Billion on Campaigns

AFP/Getty Images/Saul Loeb

Unbelievable but true!  Two billion dollars!  That astronomical sum divides almost equally between Obama's and Romney's campaigns.  As a resident of one of the battleground states, I witness literally hundreds of ads in the span of one day, although I don't listen to any of them, because that's why the mute button exists on the remote control.  Digest that figure for a moment and reflect how that money could benefit the citizens of this country in better ways than ads that don't offer enough specifics to make informed decisions.

Collectively, I'm certain that the people of the United States could provide myriad suggestions for using that money wisely in ways that would benefit citizens in positive ways.  Of course, that would require major reforms in campaign finance, and willingness on the part of candidates for every political office to adopt fair, reasonable practices when communicating their messages.  Chances of candidates volunteering to do that are less than .spotting live dinosaurs in the back yard.  It ain't gonna happen (trust me, I know ain't is grammatically incorrect, but it cogently expresses the concept).

America has a massive deficit, and we can't afford to ignore the fact that we must take action to rectify that problem.  Sorry, Mr. Romney.  You can't cut everyone's taxes by 20% and reduce the deficit without painful cuts to crucial programs.  In an interview with a CBS reporter, you stated that it was fair that you paid 14% on earning so $20 million, while someone earning $50,000 paid a higher rate because it positively affects the economy.  Really!  Whose economy?  It's time that billionaires and multi-millionaires face the truth.  Your tax rate allows you to live lavish lifestyles, but it does little to help create large numbers of jobs.  Your selfishness is costing this country more than money.  It's shrinking the middle class and creating a sharp divide between those that have more than they can possibly use in generations to come and those that can't pay all the monthly bills.

We can do something.  We can make our voices heard.  Call and write the president, your senators and representatives.  Express your displeasure in letters to the editors of newspapers and other print media.  Join online groups and forums.   Tell them you have had enough and want to stop the insanity that exists in our political process.  Most importantly, make informed choices when you vote.  You'll feel much better for it.