Cheaper, faster, less negative elections

I read recently that in Great Britain they changed the rules surrounding political campaigns and have limited them to six weeks prior to an election. The Brits have decided that this is ample time to evaluate a candidate.

The British have also limited the amount that can be spent on political campaigns to around $33 million. In the 2008 U.S. election, $1.7 billion was spent by both parties in the presidential campaign, almost double what was spent in 2004. And this does not include any state or local races.

During these endless political campaigns we are absolutely overwhelmed by political ads, most of which are negative, counterproductive and scurrilous. When our elections are finally done we are all imbued with a wash of relief from the constant and unnecessary smears. We're worn out from the negativity.

We can do better. We can require our elections to be brief and to the point, resplendent with open and honest debates. We can and must put a stop to the massive build up of campaign war chests by both sides. After all, this pile of campaign money could clearly be put to better use.

Let's put a stop the endless campaign seasons. Our time, energy and monies could certainly put to better use.

Then we should enact term limits.

Mike Simon

Glen Ellyn