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 Debating Smokescreen Issues that Don’t Matter
by Tom Campbell
September 11, 2008
If the election outcome wasn’t so important the gubernatorial debates would almost be laughable. Instead of talking about real issues that urgently need addressing, both candidates have resorted to reframing this election on issues more favorable to their candidacy. This may be state of the art campaigning, but it doesn’t help us make informed choices.
No way offshore drilling for oil is a top priority, but you wouldn’t know it from watching the debates. If Congress ever authorizes it our next governor won’t see one well drilled it in the next four years and both candidates know it.
Even if one was bold enough to propose giving every student a school voucher there is no way this will become law in the next term. Free community college tuition? Ditto. We can’t afford it. Stem cell research? This isn’t even on the radar screen. Even the emotionally charged immigration topic is more a federal issue than one our next governor will have much say in resolving. And don’t trot out the tax exemptions for seniors again. They are all smokescreens.
Voters need to rise as one and say enough to campaigning that doesn’t address our real issues. Our economy is faltering and we want to know how the candidates will address a state budget that will have red ink their first full year in office. Do either have a plan for containing a budget growing faster than our economy or do they propose new taxes? Tell us, without launching into lengthy political-speak, exactly what programs and policies will be implemented to address these significant state issues.
I want to hear my next governor advance specifics about what she or he will do to resolve road congestion, scandals and DOT incompetence. A 21st Century transportation network will require better funding sources. How does each propose to pay for this while taking politics out of the process?
It doesn’t matter whether the candidate was for or against mental health reforms passed in 2001, but it does matter specifically what will be done to fix this disaster. On the subject of health, let’s hear details how each proposes to reduce obesity, teen pregnancy, and infant mortality?
We need education reform. 36 percent dropout rates are inexcusable. Student performance, especially among minorities, isn’t acceptable. Teachers are not properly supported. Schools are overcrowded. Too many parents are not sufficiently involved. Spell out the ABC’s for addressing these issues.
WRAL-TV moderators David Crabtree and Pam Saulsby are to be commended for asking pointed questions and holding candidates accountable for answers. In addition to the above topics here are further questions I would ask our next Governor. What will you do the first 100 days in office? List your top ten priorities? There is a growing belief our state is headed in the wrong direction, our government is more corrupt and is less effective. What changes will be made to restore confidence and accountability in state government? This will come closer to moving North Carolina ahead. So get rid of the smokescreens and let’s talk about the real issues. |
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