Welcome to our class on politics.

Since I was a political science major in college, I feel I am qualified to discuss the democratic process that makes our country so great. I also never write about politics for fear of the response it might draw.

But I must point out a few of the shortcomings of our system. I am going to make this one political article count.

First and foremost is the idea that any politician anywhere can call me during dinner, breakfast, naptime (sorry, but I've been known to catch a few zzz's now and then) or whenever they darn well feel like it.

Now, I normally wouldn't have a problem with that, but you see, I signed up for the "Do Not Call List" over a year and a half ago.

So far, it's worked like a gem and I can get a little siesta in now and again. But lately (immediately after the debates) I have had an incredible number of phone calls from George Bush, Bill Clinton and various polling agencies asking me how I am going to vote. If a political party or a polling agency hasn't solicited you, count your blessings.

I'd like to say to those calling, "Guess what guys? It's not gonna work."

I vow to vote for the candidate and his or her party that calls me the least number of times between now and election day. Leave me alone!

There is a reason I have been listed on the "Do Not Call List," even though you all decided to exempt yourself from following the same rules that applies to businesses.

The next thing I want to talk about are the signs that you choose to put up all over the place. I have no problem with my neighbors expressing their views and putting a sign in the yard, or an occasional billboard along the roadside; but a bajillion signs up Armco Hill or at the viaduct heading into town is about a bajillion too many.

Besides, what happens when the election is over? Who picks up those signs?

Next up on the agenda is to stop polling me on who I am voting for! It doesn't matter and it's none of your business. Besides, if I tell you, the element of surprise will be gone and what fun is that? We wouldn't want the media predicting the election results before they are known like they did in Florida a few years ago, would we?

Finally, don't promise me the world. Instead, tell it like it is and explain things in simple terms that I can understand. Explain when a tax cut is really a tax cut and how much money I am going to have when the end of the day is over. Admit when your opponent has a good idea. There is nothing wrong with admitting the other guy (or lady) has a good plan, but yours is better.

That's what is really missing in this entire process - honesty. Now, candidates feel the need to always attack each move their opponent makes, even if it is a good one, for fear of being "soft" or not innovative enough.

I'm all for spreading democracy and I am proud to see folks voting, but let's all get back to the basics of voting and making our opinion count, something that is diminishing when candidates elect to treat me like a number.

How hypocritical to call my vote important and then have programmed dialers call me morning, noon and night for my vote and my opinion.

I vote to have all officials leave me alone and let me decide the facts for myself to make an educated opinion. I don't need robotic dialers urging me on, and it belittles what our military is fighting for each day. I wonder how many of them have received phone calls?