Two Parties Equals Democracy?

Man, I miss Ross Perot! That wacky billionaire with the color charts and twangy accent was such an invigorating force in a democratic presidential race. Where are the independent voices this year? Where is Nader and the Green Party? Give me a Libertarian's voice in a debate at least to provide a greater contrast of views so that the D and R stop blending together. That spells "dr" (pronounced dhrrr). I'll even welcome an actor/politician-wannabe if it would mean that a fresh point of view could be heard.

And for crying out loud, when will Obama and McCain speak out about our nation's education system? Their respective education secretaries are going to debate each other on October 21st, but not many people are likely to see or hear of it. No Child Left Behind is part of Bush's legacy. It has become the white elephant standing in every classroom across the country, yet our elected reps can't bring themselves to speak of it more than for twelve seconds in a tv ad. What's the future of NCLB and the rest of our imperfect educational system?

Election Day is coming fast, and I have yet to hear the compelling voice of reason to guide my vote in the right direction.