'Just the Facts,' Mr. Politician

    "Just the facts, ma'am."

    America's elections would be well-served if it took that approach and didn't allow the candidates to spread their mud and lies. We would be well-served to do as Norway does  -- No, we should go beyond what Norway does. That country extensively regulates political advertising; we should outright ban it.

 Outlaw advertising in the media. No TV ads, no radio ads, no newspaper ads, no Internet ads . . . No, you just leave us alone. We don't need your mudslinging and fighting. We're sick of it; we're tired of it. And, don't think of getting by on yard signs and mailers. We are not going to allow those, either.

   So, that will leave you maybe just two ways to get your message out: news coverage and debates. Let those whose motto is "Just the facts, ma'am" sort out the truth.

   We are sick and tired of politicians getting elected at the whim of special interests. We are sick and tired of putting someone in office just to see them serve their campaign contributors. 

   The gig is up.