Every 3.5 years, the U.S. subjects its citizens to 18 months of mindless, repetitive, unmitigated daily torture, as wackos maneuver and back-stab each other in order to secure the most powerful of positions: the Oval Office. By and large, it's like living in "Game of Thrones," wherein the common people have little to no stake in whoever sits upon the Iron Throne, and who are used as cannon fodder by their lords. This is how elections are run in the good ole U.S. of A, the pinnacle of Western civilization and Democracy. Surely, there's no more efficient system, right?
Wrong.
Let's take a quick look at our northern neighbor. Canada just held its longest election cycle ever. How long? 11 weeks -- or 78 days. Last year's election was a rare exception. Normally, their elections last 35 to 37 days.
What gives?
For starters, it's much less expensive. According to an op-ed by Gerald D. Skoning in The Chicago Tribune, last year's Canadian candidates were only permitted to spend $25 million Canadian for the first 37 days, and $685,185 Canadian per diem afterward.
In the U.S., the nigh constant elections are a multi-billion-dollar industry. (Some estimates are $5 billion for this election cycle.)
Why only 37 days for a Canadian election? Because it's less disruptive, and it frees legislators from worrying only about reelection, thus enabling them to do the jobs they were elected to perform.
But how can the people really get to know the candidates? They're not idiots, that's why. Unlike Americans—or so it seems—Canadians would've sized up Donald Trump—or his Canadian equivalent—in a matter of seconds. You do remember that the man came out of the gate spouting his hatred for immigrants, right? Did America really need seven-odd months before they realized Trump was a know-nothing jackanapes? Besides, most people vote along party lines or vote "with their guts," and, as such, never analyze the issues or the candidates' platforms.
So why drag it out?
Because of the Supreme Court's ruling on Citizens United, donating money is "free speech." Thus, anyone who cares to do so can "speak" as much as he or she wants.
In other words, elections are big business. Oh, and you and I don't matter. Unless we use our collective power to force campaign finance reform, it will only get worse.
