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Exams should replace patronage

The election will soon be upon us, and we will have to choose between the Democrats and their special interest groups (meaning those who are dependent on the government for medical and financial assistance); or the Republicans, and their special interest groups (meaning those who want tax breaks or subsidies from the government). Not the best of alternatives: big government or big business. Choose your poison.

It would be refreshing if we the people had a real say in the election and could go beyond what the major political parties have to offer. It would be interesting to see what would happen if all the ballots had a space for “None of the above.” And the public offices were filled by way of civil services examination instead of political patronage. It would offer us a purer form of democracy and allow us to have more control over the election process.

Unus Vocate

Coeur d’Alene

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