I had the good fortune of hearing Richard Branson speak last week (Thank you WBZ Radio!). He informed the crowd that he had just been at Boeing, and that this was a great time to be buying planes. He encouraged those with “cash” or “means” to spend, invest and expand right now. In his words: it is up to small business to do what it always does and grow ourselves out of this mess. It’s one thing for a little business person like me to encourage businesses to take advantage of the quiet market, but when Sir Richard points it out, it hits home. So, go out today and buy that plane, or new employee, company vehicle or website that is going to fuel your companies growth.

I never thought I’d say it, but it really is time to shut off talk radio, put the newspaper down, and start watching sitcoms at 11PM instead of the news. Do what you’ve always done in business: believe and trust in yourself and let’s get going.

OK, here’s how I would set things up. No one needs any money for advertising.

1. All candidates get the same ad schedule across the board.

2. You can only talk about yourself in your ad. No discussion of opponent.

3. Starting in Jan of an election year, there is a one hour debate every Sunday evening on rotating networks for one hour. Available on the web after it airs live on TV.

4. There is a very easy and brief quiz you must pass in order to vote.

Whoever loses turns all leftover money raised to education.

Peace!