Just the facts: As Election Day gets closer, the spin machine is headed into overdrive

It is going to get ugly over the next few weeks.

Expect a high pressure system of political double-speak and whole lot of storm clouds with little to them other than vapor.

It is getting down to the wire for Democrats and Republicans as they scramble to attract as many voters as possible on Election Day.

So, it will be particularly important to enjoy the soundbites and to laugh at the pundits and to not be fooled by spin -- no matter from which party it comes.

The president is out in full force this week -- mostly, it seems, on college campuses -- sending the message that those who care about the future of their country need to be out in full force.

And in that sense, he is right.

There have been a lot of people complaining about the course this country has taken over the last few years. They are concerned about the future, the debt and the unknown.

Those who are happy with the path the president and his Democratic Party have chosen need to come out on Election Day. And those who want to see a new direction need to be there, too.

Charisma is not enough these days. To be an effective leader, you have to know what you are talking about and listen to the people you are supposed to be serving.

So don't be fooled by anyone's rhetoric. Pick the people whose goals match your own and who you think will make the right decisions.

Keep your head clear -- then cast your vote.

It is high time the voice of the people is really heard.

Published in Editorials on September 30, 2010 10:45 AM