If ever there was an example of people lacking any sort of ability to think outside of the box - it's political commercials. Just about all political commercial insult my intelligence. They assume that I'll be swayed by oversimplifications, mood lighting or background music. Is there only one media company that makes everyone's commercials? (I can almost picture them saying, "OK, we need to make a commercial for Bob Dole. Let's use the Jesse Jackson commercial we used ten years ago and just change the faces we show and names we use...") To me, this all reflects a lack of innovation, clear thinking & respect for people's intelligence (which I suppose can be debated). I actually am bringing this up because I think it' reflects how poorly most people think creatively. But since we are on the subject of political commercials, I thought I'd list my least favorite things in political commercials:

1. Opponents face being shown with a fuzzy, shaky & dark picture; scary music playing; ominous voice saying something like, "John Doe wants to tazer your children..." (Ooooh! Scary! Thanks so much for playing with our emotions...)

2. Sarcastic female voice with circus music in the background - all implying that a candidate is a clown. (Who is this woman with the sarcastic voice? How did she get this job? Her resume reads, "Have been 'sarcastic voice' in commercials for last 6 presidents.")

3. Soaring music with candidate & family, all holding hands while walking in a park. (I always wonder how much the 16 year old son must have hated having to be in these commercials. Apparently, you have to go on long walks in the Autumn, while holding hands with your family, to run for office.)

4. A candidate making, "I believe" statements, instead of giving any specifics. For example, "I believe Oklahomans deserve a good future; I believe we should have the best teachers in our city; I believe change is needed in Washington; I believe families are important..." (Belief is important. The problem is that these statements are ways for candidates to be vague and to not have to commit to any sort of plan. It also lets them imply that their opponent is against our future, our schools & our families. I thought Giuliani's first successful run for the Mayor of NY was one of the few exceptions. He clearly stated a few things that he would do. People knew what he said he'd do, not just what he believed. He won the race. He's far from the perfect politician - but he got it right this time. Funny how few learned from him.)

Just so you know, I'm not against political activism (even been part of some), as long as we never make the mistake of assuming that it will change hearts. Only Jesus can do that.

OK. Wanna add to my list? What did I miss?