The Bush Administration is the worst in the history of the United States. It has waged war on the American middle class, it has trampled on the Constitution, it has turned surplus into deficit, it has abandoned the moral high ground that we had occupied in international affairs for decades. The expression, “as American as apple pie” has been replaced with “as American as waterboarding.”

In 2006, the electorate sent a message that we are tired of politics as usual and want a change in Washington. We elected Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress. And what have we seen since then? Congressional cowardice—a complete lack of resolve to bite the bullet when necessary to effect a real change of direction. The Congressional approval rating of 22% reflects the Nation’s intense disappointment in our elected officials.

Do you feel the despair for this country that I do? If so, please consider this.

In the next election, do not vote for an incumbent.

Voting for an incumbent is like going back to the same dentist who pulled the wrong tooth the last time.

Voting for an incumbent is like going back inside the Port-A-Potti that was out of toilet paper last time you were there.

Voting for an incumbent is like re-marrying your former spouse even though s/he cheated on you the last time around.

Voting for an incumbent is like getting in a plane with a pilot who crashed his aircraft last time s/he went up.

Voting for the incumbent might mean that you need a change in your medications.

Voting for the incumbent is like taking your computer back to the same repair shop, even though last time they told you that your computer needed a lube and an oil change.

Voting for an incumbent is a vote for “staying the course”.

Voting for the incumbent means that you believe that things can never get any better. Is that what you believe?

I’m not suggesting that if the incumbent is a Democrat that you vote for a Republican. Or vice versa. We all know that if we do that, nothing really changes. Vote Green. Or vote Libertarian. Or vote Peace & Freedom, or American Independent. Vote anything but Democrat or Republican. Until we are willing to step outside the norms, and take a chance on electing someone else, we will continue to be held in the clutches of the two-party stranglehold that is American politics today. And nothing will change.

Voting for the incumbent signals the end of all hope for change.