Ratings

(40) Ratings

They rate TV shows. They rate cars. They rate computers. So why not rate political parties and politicians.

The People Meter people could put little devices in your home or office and when a political party or office seeker or holder got under your skin – or did something you liked, you could punch a button or speak a command and the “vote” would register.

Let’s pose a red button for “no” or “stop” and a green one for “yes” or “go.” Maybe an orange one for “undecided.”

Spying on the pubic? Red. Spying on the public to “fight the war on terrorism?” Orange. This would keep the politicos in line with the pubic opinion they crave and would give you a voice in government or in political campaigns.

But it’s not only the big things, like the war in Iraq that could be rated. There also are local issues.

Build a road to ease traffic on the Moote Pointe Expressway? Green. Build it in your neighborhood? Red.

The possibilities are endless.

And such a system would guide the office holders toward a better understanding of their constituents (assuming, of course, they WANT a better understanding.)

Plus, think of the fun you can have screwing with their heads.

You don’t have to tell the truth. People lie on public opinion polls all the time.

Nielsen likely will tell you that about TV ratings. Any pollster will tell you that about any poll (especially those that turn out wrong,) and Arbitron Diaries are notorious works of fiction, having nothing to do with the company’s intention.

You could expand the political aspects of this brilliant plan to include stuff you buy, or people you buy FROM.

Gigunda-Mart? Green. Working for Gigunda-Mart? Red.

Store brand canned peas? Orange.

Generic medicine? Red.

What fun, to arise first thing in the morning and have the opportunity to vent about the question of the day.

You could even judge these posts. Rating systems? Orange. Dick Cheney? Red. Dick Cheney, newly minted private citizen who resigns to pursue Other Interests? Green.

The Euro? Red. The Ruple? Red.

A service like this would have brought big changes to the careers of people like George P’ataki, Al D’Amato, Hubert Humphrey and Mark Green.

It would probably have saved Ford and GM from their present woes.

It would have killed Medicaid Part D before it had a chance to rise from the ooze of Washington.

And it might have made Ross Perot President.

Come to think of it, maybe it ain’t such a great idea, afterall.

I'm Wes Richards, my opinions are my own, but you're welcome to them.

(c) 2006 WJR