Prior to the 'national' conventions, my only reference point on the Nickelodeon television network was Sponge Bob. As the political season grinded away I found myself watching Drake and Josh with kids in order, not only to spend valued family time, but to avoid the blabbering media class that is on 24/7. 
Last night Nick.com released the results of its presidential cyber poll. Over two million kids responded. Barack Obama won by 51% over McCain who garnered the other 49%. Each of the candidates actually sat and did a promo for the whole effort. My son didn't vote. He can tell you who at least four of the Third Party candidates are. He knows Barr and McKinney and gets a little tripped up with Baldwin & Nader. While the Nick demographic is 7 to 12 years of age, you'd think if a six year old had the capacity to know the other candidates that the older kids might too.
Once again the media co-opts the election into two neat categories. Another generation lost.
"It's a Two Party system"
"It's a Two Party system"
"It's a Two Party system"
I can't get that out of my head!!!! AUUGGGHH!
No, it's not. Those two parties rigged the system to avoid dealing with REAL opposition. And to avoid being faced with real LIBERTY. That might be fatal for them.
Whew. Now I feel better. Except for being sick and on mind-altering drugs, that is. I found out that Benedryl doesn't work too well for colds. Nap time. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ