The silly season is upon us. Every day brings more debates, more rebuttals, and more controversy from those who would like to hold the reins of our nation. Talking heads work feverishly to sway our point of view, and to move opinion polls one way or the other. I'm already shell-shocked by the constant barrage of white noise, and we still have more than a year until the next presidential election.

 I think this will be the most vicious and contentious election year in my lifetime, and much hangs in the balance in this tug of war for America's future. I'm not going to tell anyone how they should vote, only that they pay attention and make an educated decision that supports the candidates and issues which most directly affect their lives and financial well-being.

I know where I stand and will probably tune out most of the nonsense between now and November of 2012. Let's all proceed with respect and civility, and remember the daily cost our soldiers pay for our right to free speech and political debate.

John