Has anyone noticed the 2002 midterm elections? I haven't and it's not for a lack of trying. I tend to believe that I'm mildly compulsive when it comes to elections - especially when my party has a chance to eschew the historical trend of being the "incumbent" White House party which loses seats at a midterm election - but that's not my main focus today.

What I find particularly disturbing is the fact that the 2002 midterms have been "depoliticized." Now that does mean less backstabbing, bickering, and mean advertisements on TV which is a good thing, but it also means that nothing gets discussed, debated, or done! The best way to not be accused of politicizing anything is to not take a position - something our legislators in Washington have become experts at. But is that the point? Should politics be feel good? Dare I say: No!

Americans hate politics. We hate politicians. Everyone, incumbents included, runs on the "regular" guy platform - which is "I'm just like you." Well, that's flattering but to be honest I don't want to be compared to any of the "regular" guys (or gals) in Congress. I actually want them to be better than me. They run the country for God's sake! I would hope that they have a bit more under their stayput hair and toothy grins than I do. Don't you?

I do hold my public servants to a higher standard because they represent me to the world and I would hope that my representatives would put a good face on what I have to offer . Which brings me back to my original point - I want some debate from these men and women. I want to know what they think on Iraq, healthcare, national security, Social Security, etc. I really do. I don't want to be told what they think I think. I don't know what they know so how can I think what they think? It only makes sense to reason that if they know more than I do they should think more (and better) than I do thus, presenting me with varied and nuanced arguments on subjects of personal, national, and international importance. Sadly, I still sit here disappointed.

The Brits have the best system. There is no such thing as bi-partisanship in Parliament and things get done (whether you agree with them or not). Here we have to have bi-partisanship - I understand that - but NOT during an election. What's the point then? It should not be between who worked up the ladder of their respected political machine best, but what they think and why then think. Ah, that's the pivot! Why! It's easy to say what you believe but not how. That involves thinking (and if you are really good, creative thinking) which sadly many people nowadays don't want to do because it may offend someone. Yes, well, okay. I don't like to offend people. I want everyone to like me but if I'm running for office I'm going to have to makes some people angry because I'm not going to believe what they think I should. Then if I lose, I lose and try again next year.

Of course this whole argument can be taken to extremes (and will be by certain friends of mine) so I posit this disclaimer - rightwing and leftwing nuts need to lean a bit more to the center and temper their "ideas" from time to time otherwise they take away rather than add to the debate. There, my political duty is over.

Many members of the House and Senate wanted to wait until after the election to vote on Iraq. They "knew" that a vote against war in Iraq would get them kicked out. But before the election is the best time for Congress to tell their constituents what they really believe on matters of national and international importance. Sadly, not many wanted to take that chance so many members voted in favor just to be re-elected. That's a shame not only for them but the whole idea of representative democracy. We elected people to make judgements on our behalf. Even if I disagree I want, no, demand, that they vote their conscience each and every time.

Senator Paul Wellstone embodied that spirit. Sadly he was killed in a plane crash two weeks ago. I did not agree with his position on the issues but he was willing to stand up for what he thought was right - even if that meant going against his own party. Not every member of Congress has to be as radical as Sen. Wellstone but each should have as much integrity and spirit.

The country is at a standstill politically. It will take a statesman wit innovation and courage to break the deadlock. I hope one appears soon because this political junky is getting bored.