Is this really the best we have?

As the Bush saga comes to a close I can not help but look forward with a sense of optimism. Yes, we may have several environmental, economic, and assorted other crises, but Bush leaving has to be the silver lining to those dark clouds. Unfortunately this surge in enthusiasm hits a brick wall with every headline that features our Presidential candidates. It is a problem that has developed over the past several years and it has reached a critical point. The candidates are so far removed from the problems and issues of the average American that it seems highly unlikely anything will be be done to help us. Even when they trip and fall face first over an issue that matters, the politics of this race is something akin to appeasement, with each side trying to grab the most voters even if it means changing policies and contradicting other statements. And while that has always been a part of the political game, we need something more from our elected leaders. We need someone who can restore some faith in Washington, heal some of its ailments, and get the job done and not dance their way around the issue. I hope the candidates are up to the challenge, because I still see more of the same.