My friends in Clear Skies, a dishonesty pandemic threatens friendly relationships that help us build better communities. Last week Democratic friends were infuriated with Palin’s convention speech. A Republican friend was up late because he was inspired by McCain’s speech.

Political handlers run campaigns that infect us with dishonesty. As your self-appointed campaign advisor, I suggest the following antidotes when dishonesty spreads into friendly conversations.  Injecting these antidotes should immediately allow us to have honest conversations where we can agree.

 Change: John ‘My-friends’ McCain says we can come together without rancor. Antidote: He unleashed a self-described hockey-mom, pit-bull-with-lipstick who has infuriated Democrats.

Obama invites all people to come together. Antidote: Invitations work better when they are not sent to people described as bitter and clinging to faith.

Reaching Across the Aisle: Obama says he reached across the aisle to help pass legislation for counter-intelligence. Antidote: He probably reached across the aisle to introduce himself.

McCain says he is a Republican maverick who reaches across the aisle to propose legislation, like immigration reform. Antidote: Mavericks agitate for reform, but leaders make it happen.  

Vice-Presidential Decision.  McCain can’t wait to introduce Palin to Washington. Antidote: Despite McCain saying, “ We all know the highest priority is someone who can take your place,” Palin is not ready to take his place. She did take Lieberman’s place as ear-whisperer.

Obama picked Biden to add experience to his ticket.  Antidote: Biden’s experience is in the Congress with the lowest approval rating in history.

Budget Deficits and Government Spending Obama supports “pay as you go.”  Antidote: Congress is spending our nation into a black hole, so with Obama we would get pay-as-you-go into the hole.

McCain promises to veto earmarks. Antidote: Earmarks are no bigger than an earring in the midst of the cosmic deficit McCain has consistently supported.

TV ads. Republican ads end with McCain lifting his wrinkled white face toward heavenly light from above. Antidote: McCain’s handlers show his right cheek because the other puffs out and has the scar from reconstructive surgery that removed invasive cancer.

Obama’s wrinkle free chocolate face is bathed in light from above as he inspires massive crowds.  Antidote: He still stands on two feet even though his handlers expect him to levitate any day.   

Economy Obama promises to tax the wealthy and give tax credits to middle income families and create jobs. Antidote: Another promise to cut taxes and create jobs.

McCain promises to cut everybody’s taxes and create jobs. Antidote: Another promise to cut taxes and create jobs. 

We will change presidents, but these antidotes might help us keep the one thing we do not want to change: honest friendships that help us work together to build better communities.