Who's got their ear? Hillary, Obama, Mike and John?

The report about John McCain is only interesting because it reminds us that beyond the glitz, our voices are not directly heard by our federal government. That's the part of our government set up that is really our country's being a republic--it's our representatives who speak (supposedly on our behalf) to our national representatives.

While it might appear charming when the national candidates wave out a single individual's name as an example for their agendas, it's really not the point. It is our representatives who have the candidates' ear.

Being "responsive" to this watered down communication by state representatives who are often less than responsive to their constituents means that none of the candidates will act on behalf of an individuals citizen. So guys, stop tossing out the names.

Task a day insurance: What is your state doing with its insurance policy is a state issue, what representatives are communicating to the candidates and to the existing powers that be requires going through the channels...write your rep.

That's why Medicare and Medicaid are so sexy in terms of getting public attention, because it's a national program. The everyday exploitations and issues involved in everyone else's insurance often go unnoticed because they occur at the state level.

And that is why John McCain's "indiscretion" is relevant. The last thing we need is another tier of influence peddling based on someone having a crush on someone else. But more importantly, it's a reminder that the old expression is true, we need to communicate with and demand action from our state level representatives in the federal government.