These good Americans are what most of would never even dare to be -- valid presidential candidates. Some will appear on the ballots of all 50 states -- a huge achievement in itself. All have dedicated much time, energy and personal resources to serve this Nation. All have something very important to offer -- new ideas, solutions and initiatives. None of which you will hear in any of the four Gore-Bush nationwide debates.

Instead, you will hear only the Republican and the Democrat saying the same things they have been saying, in much the same way they have been saying them for the last year-and-half of TV ads, newspaper quotes and misquotes, fund raiser and town hall speeches, rhetoric, lies, damned lies and even dirty rotten rat tricks.

But, you might ask, do third party candidates ever really have anything "new" to offer?

• In the late 1800s, a third party suggested that women should be allowed to vote.
• A third party suggested reducing the standard American work week to 40 hours.
• A third party demanded that working hours and conditions of children be regulated.
• Social Security? A third party idea.
• In 1968, a third party candidate first suggested that America should "Get tough on crime."
  [Also See: Why Third Parties? - from your About Guide]

Certainly, nationwide debates involving more than a few candidates would be hard to arrange and conduct. A series of debates, starting far sooner than a measly 35 days before the election would be required. Yes, hearing all the ideas would be hard, but it sure would be good for America -- for a change.

Disagree? Let me have it -- Right Here.

VOTE: