`NONE OF THE ABOVE' IS NO WAY TO RUN A NATION

Voters are frustrated. "None of the above" became a reflection of that dissatisfaction during the primaries. Then came H. Ross Perot. A non-politician, this Texas businessman seemed the answer for this growing disillusionment. He embodied the protest vote - a way for voters to thumb their collective noses at Washington D.C.

But H. Ross Perot is not "none of the above." He is a candidate for president of the United States. We must stop looking at Perot the image, and begin analyzing Perot the candidate.

Just as we expect action plans from George Bush and Bill Clinton, so must we demand the same from Perot. It's time to find out exactly how he proposes to "fix" the nation's woes.

Granted, George Bush's most memorable campaign vow in 1988, "no new taxes," was subsequently abandoned. And his capitulation on such issues as quotas, the Americans with Disabilities and Clean Air acts, which introduced new constraints to business already mired in regulations, lend a hollow ring to Bush's campaign vows. Also, "Slick Willie" Clinton repeatedly has been forced to dodge serious questions concerning his character: womanizing, draft dodging, marijuana use et al.

Many otherwise Republican and Democratic voters are jumping ship to join Perot's burgeoning campaign. Their contempt for the status quo and "business as usual" in presidential politics is understandable. A common response from Perot backers asked to explain their allegiance is, roughly: "I don't care what the guy stands for. It can't be any worse than Bush or Clinton."

Who's to say it can't be worse? At least Bush and Clinton each stand on a party platform that includes clear tenants voters may either embrace or reject. As an Independent, we don't have a clue where Perot stands or how he would address the challenges faced by our nation. As a successful businessman, many people assume he's against "big government" and its regulation and taxation. Yet Perot has made most of his millions from government contracts. So where does he stand?

Flippant answers, clever slogans, and pledges of "we'll fix it" aren't good enough. It's time Perot provides more substance to the American electorate. More often than not, his campaign rallies resemble pep rallies - a feel-good euphoria for people facing hard times. Instead of outlining policies, it's typically the candidate himself asking questions about voter frustration. It's time we demand specifics from Perot.

The closer we move to November, the more emerges about Perot the man. He is the quintessential American success story. Coming from a middle class background, he became a billionaire. Perot plans to spend "whatever necessary" of his own money to run a respectable campaign. The fact his backers don't have to raise a dime presents one of the most unique campaigns in history. Perot says this approach won't make him beholden to anyone, which is admirable. But what voters deserve to know - will he be beholden to the people?

Money hasn't tarnished his down-home image. He's scrappy, but known to be fierce with competitors. But while we're finding out more about Perot the man, Perot the candidate remains hazy. That's because he remains an undeclared candidate, we are told. But make no mistake about it Perot is running for president with every intention of winning.

There's an old saying - if something's appears too good to be true, it probably is. But that doesn't stop people from buying miracle products that never work. As voters, we must stop and examine what Perot can really do. An image won't reduce the deficit or refuel the economy. Only well-thought out action will work, and then only if Congress can be brought along.

Regardless of whom we elect as president, he cannot spark tremendous change alone. Congress writes the legislation and regulations. The president can only affect change in the context of his current powers.

Perot is not a feel-good tonic, a cure-all for our nation's woes. "None of the above" is not the way to run the country. We must sweep away the images, and examine the policies and plans of all three candidates. Only then can we make an informed decision in November.