Dear Editor: Candidates - Please Explain Why We Should Believe You

Dear Editor,

As I've received and perused the many 8.5 x 11, glossy, card-stock political advertisements in my mailbox this summer, I've been both bemused and irritated by their content. Some of the copy sure "sounds" good. They all purport to be on my side, to be representing my interests, to want the things I want, to like the people and policies I "like" and to hate the people and policies I "hate." They all show pleasant faces and big smiles. They all use the "right words." They all promise to fix the problems, stop the corruption, and restore truth and sanity to our political system.

What...