I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m going to express my thoughts about American politics. I have no qualifications to do this, just a love for America and a news feed dominated by articles about politicians.

First, the biggest problem is that it is a two-party system. Two parties! In a country the size of the USA with the varied racial, ethnic, lifestyle, and income diversity involved, two parties are not nearly enough. America, you need more political parties. You are much more interesting than red/blue, left/right.

Second, you have got to stop voting for people based on their personalities. This has never served you well. A brief look at past history should be enough to convince you that personality is not character. And, character does not always translate into good policy. Ask for a resume. What has the candidate accomplished? Do at least as much research as you would for a job candidate you might hire.

Third, the party leader is not the party. Whether he or she is 80 or 18, that person is not the primary concern. The real issue is knowing what the party and the leader’s close advisors are planning. If you don’t know that, you don’t know who or what you are voting for.

Fourth, the process is much too long. Your politicians are campaigning for so much of their time in office that they have hardly any time for governing the nation. What would you prefer that they do, go to rallies or effect practical change? Cut this process down to two or three months, maximum.

Fifth, the news media is messing with your mind. If the media you watch or read is not telling you about a candidates’ experience, philosophy, or plans, they aren’t telling you anything useful. If they are focussing on image or popularity, they are just skewing the vote. Also, by the way, no one needs a 24-hour news channel that focusses primarily on national political issues.

I could go on, but that is probably more than enough for now. I love you, America, but your political process is crazy-making. You are better than this.