So we voted for "change" and elected a very different President. And we handed him by far among the biggest and most horrendous set of issues to resolve than any of his predecessors have had to deal with. So now I propose we pick up the reigns of citizenship and do our part to get the "change" we want. Here are a few new years resolutions for American voters.

1. Buy Your Candidates - Everyone who can should contribute at least $5 a month for one year to their candidate(s) of choice. This way they will work for you - literally. If the game is played with money, then it's time voters put up their money too.
2. No Incumbents - Let's all agree to do our part to end the close ties business has with our government by electing representatives with no prior political service. The point here is if they have not served in office before they will not have any strong ties to special interests.
3. No Millionaires - Do not vote for anyone with a net worth over $1 million (or anyone who won't disclose their net worth freely). Reasons why this strategy would be effective in securing representatives that genuinely have your interests at heart include: a) they are more like you and have many of the same living issues like wondering how to pay the rent or mortgage; b) they will value their job. Chances are they may be getting a pay increase if elected. There is an inherent problem with motivations of a multi-millionaire who goes through a nasty election process to get a job paying what he/she makes in a month.
4. Tell Them What You Want - Write down 5 things you want your candidate(s) to do. Be specific. Describe the issue in detail. Don't worry about specifying a solution (unless you are an expert or professional in that area). But detail the issue in clear and concise language. This will also help you stay focused and choose a candiate(s) who show some aptitude for being able to address the problem.
5. Stay Focused - Do not be mislead. The fact that the candidate who successfully ran a school district that performed well, or has a distinguished record of local activism in behalf of an issue that's important to you failed to pay taxes on time or had an extra-marital affair does not mean they will not do a great job in office. It means they have jacked up areas of their life just like you do.

Feel free to comment and add to this list of resolutions. Happy Holidays!