Since it is proven that you cannot believe what you hear, especially in an election campaign, you have to rely on the past. Obama pretty much has no past, because he has no significant experience. McCain has a history, and therefore has some actions that some won't approve of. But I would rather deal with a weak hand than a wild card.

I have no respect for the campaign and election processes. I have little faith that either candidate will be able to make significant improvements in the lives of Americans. It's up to us to make our informed choices, and then focus on saving ourselves.

I have owned my small business for over 20 years, in one of the most cutthroat and low profit industries in existence, with heavy competition from several local big-box retailers. Some years are frighteningly lean. Others are fat and happy years. I plan for the lean years and we live well enough. I don't get government subsidies for agriculture, for energy, for business development. I don't get tax breaks for relocation or expansion. I don't get wage rebates from the unemployment agency or other social groups. I don't have any government or school contracts, because the "bribe to play" system makes me sick. We provide an honest product at an excellent price and 80% of our customers are repeat customers, and they send their friends and family. Businesses like mine boomed in the 80s, and a lot failed in the 90s. We are still here. We pay competitive wages, fully pay health insurance for our employees, and pay our bills and taxes on time. All that on less than 5% gross profit. Our tech has been with us over 10 years, and I am not looking to dump him for a cheaper worker. There is value that cannot be measured by money, and it has to do with trust. Where do you put your trust? Would you hand over everything you own and trust the government to manage it for you? I don't. Social programs do not work as long term solutions.

Why do poorly run businesses get bailouts? Why do fiscally irresponsible buyers get out of their debts? Where is personal and corporate accountability? Is either candidate going to fix this issue, which undermines the entire premise of the American economy?