Peter Boyle

At its most fundamental it mean that we have a Constitution that delineates our freedoms (Unfortunately it does not delineate our responsibilities). In general parlance, it means that anyone can speak their mind without fear of governmental sanctions (except in obvious circumstances. Unfortunately, it is often accompanied by a lack or honesty or at least a lack of unbiased research. Just because a person has a right to say a thing, in no way infers that the person is correct...or even honest.

MONEY!!!!! As in other things, money is the root of the evil. Until we take the money out of politics by strict public finance laws, coupled with forensic accounting of office holders and candidates finances, we will not break the cycle we are locked in. Where are the Roosevelts when we need them.

A ten dollar addition to federal income taxes would be distributed equally to every candidate for use in a one month campaign before teh election. Public airways would be required to air equal time to each candidate. State and local tax and control would also follow that line. Any candidate who could produce a signature count of 3% of voters they would represent would be considered a candidate and treated equally.

I agree with Alan Cranston: 15% of the general population is less than honest, including politicians. Running for office should require a deep forensic accounting of your finances and that would continue for as long as you held office. A five year ban on being able to receive any form of job or compensation from any Lobbyist or Government Contractor after leaving office. It must be re-established that Corporations are NOT people in any way, shape or form, Corporations are NOT persons under the Constitution or the Law.