Terri

Something that people use to say because it was true. It's no longer free but it seems for the most part that not enough of use realize that and do something about it while we are still able.

The two party system; Character assassination prevents good candidates from running. There are no term limits and there should be. People make careers of being in office and are focused on amassing power and money rather than representing the people. Too much money is needed to even attempt to run. Political contributions from corporations and PACS amount to buying influence or the candidates themselves. Attempts to regulate the flow of money is a complete failure. Hard money and soft money? Please!

It's not that simple. Specifics are impossible to state "off the cuff". However, the things that can be simplified here: Term limits for all as was the intention of our forefathers. Serious limits on corporate donations, elimination of lobbying and lobbyists would be a good start.

It's free is it? You've forgotten about the Patriot Act. That foot high? book of laws that just happened to be already in print after 9/11. Yes, the book of laws, suspension of freedoms and limitations of rights that was approved by a Congress and Senate that didn't even read the book in its entirety before voting. The majority of Americans haven't a clue (including me) as to what exactly is in that book! Let's first find out just how free we really are or aren't as the case may be.