Another four years have come to pass and once again political parties make their bid for power. Sunday, November 6^th marked one year until the next Presidential elections.

As the gears of campaigning gain momentum, more and more donations will be thrown at politicians that promise change for the better. In 2000, around 3 million dollars were spent on campaigns. In 2004, $4 million, and during the last presidential election over 5 million dollars were spent.

I understand that money is a necessity to campaigning, but these amounts are excessive. The candidates who pledge to reduce spending and cut costs nationally are spending more and more themselves. How can people who cannot control their own expenditures be trusted to control those of the country?

Nominees for president always push blame towards their opponents.  According to Republicans the fault for a struggling economy lies with President Obama; in contrast, Democrats believe that the fault lies with President Bush.

I don’t really care whose fault it actually is, only what is going to be done about it.

The politicians of today should focus on how to fix these problems rather than who made them. In reality, fixing the economy or the federal budget is going to be more important in the end than playing a game of Clue.

Frankly, it’s surprising that “candid” is in the word “candidates.” Politicians may say one thing, but do the opposite or nothing at all.

Junior Sophie Seiberth said, “I think that they exaggerate the truth to get elected.” It is important, however, to remember that politicians are people too, and like anyone else, they are prone to make mistakes.

Politicians are, or at least should be, in the government to make life better for their community. It’s important for people to remember that when someone makes a mistake while in office it is not because they are trying to destroy the U.S., but they have just simply misstep on the path of benevolence. There are parts of a politician that are good.

Senior Vinson Compestine said, “I have to admire that Ron Paul doesn’t flip flop on issues.”

In the end, a politician is like a bag of Halloween candy: he or she has good parts like Reece’s and Twix, but also has those less desirable qualities like Almond Joys.  In this situation those Almond Joys can’t always be traded away.