Simple ideas (Occam’s razor) for the 2008 elections.  No one candidate seems to have taken any position, with the exception of condemning the other.  If a platform is developed at the conventions, here are a few examples of what might not only palatable to the populace, but might even make a difference.  Anyone can change, only a few can make a difference.  In addition, 5 or 6 of the 12 would be great and any more than that would be a landslide.

1. Campaign finance reform.  Take all contributions ($) out of politics.  There are some valid alternatives out there, see James Carvel’s proposal.
2. Universal Healthcare for all. Period
3. Tax reform.  Everyone has an equitable tax liability.  Only deduction is for mortgages for individuals and investment for corporations.  (Simplify).  This includes a fix for Social Security.
4. Eliminate over time the ability for companies to deduct advertising expense.  If companies spent the money they spend on advertising their products on improving their products, there would be no need to advertise.  This would also slow down all those multi-million dollar athletic packages to 23 year old athletes.
5. Eliminate all TV advertising for prescription drugs, these are demeaning to practically everyone.  Let your doctor suggest what you take, they go to school for this.
6. Every dollar spent on defense should have a minimum of $.50 spent on education infrastructure.  Re-introduce Phys-Ed as a requirement for graduation.  Health and nutrition classes should replace spending on sex-education.  Teachers should be revered, not blamed for all the ills in society.
7. Remove toxic and non-beneficial additives from the food supply.  Make the FDA, OSHA and the EPA instruments of the people and not corporations.
8. Make a priority of internal maintenance of public infrastructure; highways, bridges, dams and parks.
9. All legislation should have a time limit placed upon passing and a method for funding upon implementation.  If it still is working according to budget and benefits after 5 years, make it into law, if not cancel it.
10. Respect is something that if you have it, you get it.  Let’s get back to being respected in the world, not an object of derision.
11. Demand better from your elected representatives and vote out those whose moral and ethical character do not match their promises.  We should demand a higher standard for their positions, they are entrusted with our vote, make sure they continue to earn that trust.
12. Lastly, a strong military is essential in the world we live in, but let’s work smarter instead of harder to insure our security.  The record of military waste, not necessarily the military’s fault, is well documented.  We have had a proud heritage in this area, let us all endeavor to keep it.  Theodore Roosevelt was correct.  “Walk softly but carry a big stick”.