pianogonzology: Part . . .

. . . of the problem in our current political process. . .

(a recent, random Tweet . . . )
". . . Obama for America: Stay Up on the Latest Presidential Dispatches
Election day is still three months away, so if you haven't picked your pony, it's almost time to put your money on either Obama or Romney. Just in time to help you decide, the incumbent has released a…"

Contrary to popular belief, and what the press tells us, there are in fact, several other available options.

(from http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/)
Declared 2012 PFP & Socialist Presidential Candidate
Political Activist Stewart Alexander
In terms of hedging your bets, the 59-year old former radio talk show host has it down pat and probably created a little bit of history for himself in the process. Alexander has declared his candidacy for the Oval Office seat with two different political parties; the Socialist Party and the Peace and Freedom Party. This will be Alexander’s first attempt for the office after a failed Vice-Presidential bid in 2008.

Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson
The former Libertarian Republican Governor does not attend church, is pro-choice, anti-big government, pro-immigration, an outspoken critic of the war on drugs and favors legalizing marijuana. He led New Mexico for eight years, during which time the state saw no tax increase, and he vetoed over 750 separate pieces of legislation to keep the government from growing. However, his views on civil liberties, foreign policy and drugs may be difficult for many conservatives to reconcile with.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Katheryn Lane
The 45-year old Indiana-born mother of three believes in the need for the neutrality of a presidential candidate. However, she realizes that under the current political system, the deck is stacked against any independent running for the office, which explains her reason for registering her candidacy under the Republican banner. Lane also believes that her status as a non-career politician, coupled with her first-hand experience in the private sector, makes her uniquely suited for the job.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Andy Martin
The self-professed People’s Attorney General and Internet Powerhouse is famously remembered as the source of the chain mail and online reports questioning the citizenship of President Obama and the claim that he was a Muslim. The 66-year old Martin filed his papers as a candidate for the next presidential election on Feb 8, and was quoted two weeks later saying, “Obama
plays for keeps. He plays rough, and that's the only way to beat him, and I'm the only one that is tough enough to do that."

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Jimmy McMillan
The former mayoral, gubernatorial and senatorial candidate for the Rent Is Too Damn High Party announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on December last year. Explaining his decision not to contest the Democratic nomination, a party he was formerly registered with, karate expert McMillan was quoted as saying "the rent is too damn high." The flamboyant Vietnam veteran also gave some words of advice to President Obama, “If you don’t do your job right, I am coming at you!"

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Career Flight Attendant
Tom Miller
Tom Miller feels that the country is being destroyed from within chiefly through a series of failed fiscal and immigration policies; a state of affair brought forth by an entrenched political elite. Miller sees himself as a representative of the people, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers themselves, and offers a solution-based approach to tackle the multitude of issues facing the nation. Ultimately, he hopes to re-empower the American people around the concept of small government.

Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate
Current President of the United States
Barack Obama
Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, the former constitutional law professor, lawyer, community activist and financial writer came into national prominence with a show stopping keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, befitting his reputation as a brilliant orator. In 2008, after a hard fought win against Hillary Clinton to secure the Democratic nomination, the then Senator from Illinois crushed Republican John McCain to become the first African American to claim the presidency, concluding his meteoric rise to the pinnacle of American politics.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
U.S. Representative from the State of Texas
Ron Paul
The former medical doctor officially announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination on May 13, 2011. The 75-year old Texas Congressman will once again center his campaign on the theme of liberty, human rights and financial market reforms. With his small but vocal pockets of supporters spread all over the country, the Libertarian leaning Republican is set to be one of the most controversial characters on the campaign trail.

Declared 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate
Stephen Rollins
Stephen Rollins is an actor, writer, producer, director and business owner. The 37-year old, who once played for the New Jersey Rock n' Rollers in the RHI league, has a vision and a goal to restore our American Identity and return the country to its glorious roots. It is time to restructure our budget, tax code, education, and energy plan. It is time for someone with a bold plan and the will to fight for bold solutions. Let’s put party politics aside and do what’s right for this nation. Let’s restore our American Identity. It is time for Stephen Rollins.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Massachusetts
Mitt Romney
John McCain's defeat to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election signaled the reemergence of the former Massachusetts Governor as a serious contender, and clear favorite, for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. The Harvard man has been comfortably leading almost every poll since then. He was knocked off his perch for about two months by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, during the summer of 2011. However, he has since recovered and has once again returned to his seat at the top of the leader board. While his ideology and personal beliefs may be subject to debate, his knack for business is beyond question – and his across the board appeal makes him a dangerous opponent for President Obama.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Matt Snyder
Matthew Bradley Snyder is a supporter of people, not parties. He believes in the passion that stirs the heart of the common man. It is not political ambition, but personal experience, that enflames that passion. A president should exude it, not emulate it. Snyder is a true representative of the people.

Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate
Pro-life Activist
Randall Terry
At a glance, it may seem a little odd for a pro-life and anti-LGBT candidate to run for the Democratic nomination. A closer look however, would tell us that an estimated 30-40% of Democrats actually shares the 52-year old Terry’s views. And for those who consider this as nothing more than a publicity stunt by an anti-abortionist radical, think again. Randall Terry is planning to spend close to $3 million for a 30-second slot in the 2012 Super Bowl.

Declared 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate
Danny Woodring
Danny Earl Woodring, a 63-year-old Vietnam vet (DAV) and recipient of the Purple Heart, has joined the race for the presidency as a write-in independent conservative. The telco consultant is running his campaign exclusively from the internet and welcomes assistance from volunteers. The father of five and grandfather of eight currently resides in Palm Bay, Florida, with wife Ina.

Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate
Businessman

Vern Wuensche
Wuensche ran for President in 2008, garnering a tenth place finish in both the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, despite spending only $36,000. In 100 days, the owner of Houston’s third oldest construction company, visited over 6,000 local businesses and churches in 242 towns in both states. He believes that businesses survive and thrive chiefly through the caliber of those who runs them and thus, these executives are perfectly qualified for a public office shorn of proven management experience