True enough. The main purpose of the excessive advertising is to counter
what the other guy said. It is no longer about getting a message out. It
is a classic arms race of money.

In Pennsylvania, it is unrelenting. As important as the election is, it
will be good to finish it to make the ads stop. In every commercial break
there are now countering ads from each side, and even more.

Having said all that, maybe we could cap what each side can spend, but
limiting the 527s and individuals is likely difficult.

"Wayne Knight" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have read from a couple of sources that the advertising in this
year's presidential contests have exceeded a combined $600 Million.
This to get a job that will pay $1.6 Million + decent benefits (private
use of 747 to start with and having traffic stopped and moved out of
your way whenever you decide to drive to taco bell).

Granted 600 mill would be a drop in the bucket to the deficit but this
is money that does not improve any sector of the economy other than
advertising and radio/tv/newspaper networks. And since those networks
are businesses run for a profit, they sure the hell are not going to
make long term committments to increase employment know the well dries
11/3/04.

It does not become capital for factory startups.
It does not become money for a new businesses and job creations.
It does not lessen the burden on the working poor.
It does not become available for infra-structure improvements.
It does not finance new homes or provide for the rehabilition of older
homes.
It does not provide benefits to the military.
It does not fund research into disease fighting protocols.
It does not fund one new teacher or one new school.

Some will say the funds came from Donations, so what? If the donations
had not been made the money would still be sitting in a bank or
investment account somewhere being used as working capital through
loans or equity.

This is why Tim's everyman cannot become president. do you really think
either party would let a Harry Truman be their lead candidate in the
current environment?
Somehow we have to change this process.


Sorry for the rant.