It's time to study for Election 2008

Super Tuesday is behind us and the general elections are eight plus months away -- but we as voters have some thinking, reading and listening to do.

In 2000 and 2004, we did not do enough of the above and the bottom line therefore brought us into the current problems America is facing at home and abroad. The country is in the worst shape it's been as long as I can remember and I am 70 years young.

We are still at war five years later, Bin Laden is no longer on Bush's mind, infrastructures are in horrible condition, the economy is starting to crumble, foreclosures make the headlines, bankruptcy lawyers are busier than ever and the list could go on and will only get worse.

Our administration in Washington thinks the economic downturn can be halted by giving the taxpayers a few hundred dollars.

That money is going to pay bills, buy needed food items, credit card late payments.

So if Washington thinks it will lure the consumers into spending it on items like new cars, furniture, vacations and what have you, they will be learning a disappointing lesson later in May-July.

The new administration in January 2009 will commence with a general cleanup. Talking about a new administration, we better start some serious thinking, reading and listening -- anybody casting a vote.

For those who listen to campaign speeches, make sure you know the difference between motivational speeches and solution speeches.

Remember, the last two general elections -- promises of integrity, honesty. And what did we get? You figure it out.

William T. Schmocker

Des Plaines