ELECTION 2013 - It is anti democratic to ignore candidates who have earned their place to be on the ballot.
In the current political mood and the growing apathy by voters it is imperative that every candidate who is officially on the ballot to be heard by the public.
Ignoring these candidates only reinforces to the voting public that money and not the most qualified candidate is given a chance to run for office with a level playing field.
The deck is stacked against a candidate who is not willing to be swayed by money and political influence. This is a sad day for our Democracy.
The Media and the various organizations who host a candidate forum – debate have a great responsibility to present unbiased information to the public, of all the candidates that appear on the ballot with a level playing field.
To ignore some candidates is a distortion of our Democratic oath and they are practicing the very same unacceptable behavior that they are trying to correct in today’s political scene.
By ignoring candidates who are on the ballot the voters are deprived of critical information and opinions of all the candidates on the ballot. It is a disservice to the community at large.
Angelenos have the right to an open and balanced election process resting on the values of our democracy, which is open to all candidates.
We have to show to the public how real democracy at work – by presenting all the candidates, not just the select few.
The right to vote is the right that protects all other rights. That includes all official candidates.
(YJ Draiman candidate for Los Angeles mayor. )
-cw
CityWatch
2-11-13