The political season

(Sikeston, Mo.) Standard Democrat

Let's all agree on one thing: the political season is just too ... long. Months of politicking have now turned into years of campaigning. ... Even for the seasoned observers, we're experiencing political overload.

If you're undecided at this point in the campaign, you're just lazy or stubborn or stupid. There cannot be another position explained that will somehow instantly push your opinion one way or the other. ... Increasingly too in this heated campaign, the national news media sinks lower and lower in public opinion. ...

When Dan Rather opens his mouth, I am convinced he is lying like a dog. I'm certain that other observers feel the same about Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity or Bill O'Reilly. And I can't make the case that any of these "reporters" don't push the envelope of truth from time to time. With that lack of respect and trust, it's no wonder our political campaigns take on a sideshow atmosphere.

Rather opened his mouth this week and slammed President Bush's military record only to have a full-fledged investigation launched the following day into the authenticity of his information. And while the three major networks once held a monopoly on the airwaves, Fox news and CNN have now toppled these giants to second-tier status. ...

The primary election season is too long and far too ripe for abuse. And after this elongated circus, we're left with only negatives to dominate the actual campaign itself. Throw in a media dotted with questions of honesty and special interest groups spending money with virtually no limits and you have the ingredients for a mess.