Most of the people of Iraq want us to leave. I wonder why we don’t start asking them why. Where are the interviews?

I am not referring to the latest appearances by Chalabi or Cheney, but real current in-depth interviews with people who are there – people of all the groups, all the areas – let’s get some perspectives. If soldiers are not allowed to state their opinions, then it’s even more important to be asking in their stead.

Might we give the inhabitants of the land of the Tigris and Euphrades the dignity of having some open and public talks on these issues? Why can’t we create a space for the people of both countries to be heard – and to hear? We have all these media outlets – let’s see it.

Why are we not hearing debates on the issues? I’m talking about debates, not soundbites. Formal debates – debates long enough to push points beyond a “reported statement.”

Face each other and debate! The public discourse is bathed in deceit and misdirection.

Let’s have national debates. I know – how about a reality show about REALITY? People would debate, with judges for accuracy. The regional winners would debate each other, and get shortlisted for the national “primary.”

Hey, doesn’t that sound a little bit like the way people are supposed to get elected?

Who needs all this fundraising? Imagine no more political donations, no more fund raising.

Candidates would have to debate one another on network television, on cable, on the radio, in newspapers. Air time would of course be free as part of the rights of the public with regard to the airwaves. Perhaps public service might be taken a little more seriously – we all own the airwaves, or perhaps really none of us do.

Each candidate gets identical, rather modest but sufficient budgets. No one is allowed to add to the amount, or to use any other funds for these for expenses.

Everyone gets unlimited bandwidth for one website domain – internet host to be chosen by the candidate.

Just the kind of little ideas that niggle at me sometimes.