So I want another Presidential candidate. What's so wrong about that? Some people can't stand staying with the same sofa for more than two months. I can't stand another year with just Republicrats to choose from. I'm sick of the schizophrenic attempt to both placate the American center and placate each party's true believing ideologues. I'm sick of a group of people so enmeshed and entrapped within a high-rolling money chase, that they can't even see how it's corrupting them and the process. I'm sick of an atmosphere where even conscientious, high-minded, idealistic people are brushed aside by an ignorant cynicism epidemic among the people and fanned by the flames of an irresponsible and exploitative media. And so this has got to stop. Our faith in our political process and in the leaders we elect to operate within that process must be rekindled. And, as I see it, the major means to that end is a credible independent presidential candidate who chooses to espouse, as the main element in his platform, an aggressive program of political reform. And this is where I'm so interested in Paul Tsongas and his Secret Seven, excuse me, Expanding Eight, excuse me, Shaky Seven, excuse me, Shrinking Six, excuse me, Fraying Five. At least here are a group of people who really seem to be in touch with the concerns of the American people; you see, by and large, the American people, just as the Tsongas group claims, are NOT racist, ARE compassionate, are SICK at the way we have squandered our children's birthright, are bitterly disillusioned with our corrupt political system, and do not believe that every environmental law is an attempt by Uncle Sam to crush the sacred flame of American entrepreneurialism. Give the American people a candidate who espoused these values and we would flock to that person. Give us a Bill Bradley or Lowell Weicker with that platform and American politics would never be the same. And the good news, of course, is that the latest word from this group seems to be that a decision will be made up or down in this regard shortly after December 31. The bad news is that we have yet to hear a goddamn thing. So here I am, yours truly, humble political junkie, biting my fingernails and holding my breath (well, not really) and hoping that every day will see one of these people take the plunge and wake up our somnolent electorate. Meanwhile, I run my mouth in political discussions, blather on at my home page, and generally spin my wheels, so forgive me. More to come daily (maybe!). Happy surfing. Reactions, flames, condolences, etc. may be sent to