“There just doesn’t appear to be a way out of this budget mess,” said Marie, putting down the morning paper.

“I agree,” Cal said. “Even after the special election, legislators are having the same arguments as before. How much to cut and can we raise taxes. It will all end up with the voters again.”

“But the voters don’t want it. Wasn’t that one of the lessons of the special election vote. Do your job?”

“Well they did the job, of sorts, but the voters said they didn’t like the job that was done. Seems like the legislators can’t win,” said Cal.

“If it’s going to end up with the voters, anyway, then they should try a new approach,” offered Grady, putting down his drink. “Let the voters do the job themselves. Turn the budget into a reality, like those TV talent contests.”

“It is pretty real,” said Marie. “What’s going to happen to those people who rely on government help is pretty real.”

“And those who have to pay new taxes and can’t,” said Cal. “That’s pretty real for them, too. For everybody.”

“Which is why the voters will end up making the decisions for themselves. But instead of having them vote on some initiatives at the ballot box, let them vote like they would on American Idol or Dancing with the Stars.”

“Are you nuts, Grady?”

“Listen. Those who are opposed to cuts or for taxes, or the other way around get to make a pitch on TV. Each agency or program or tax can be represented. Then the people will vote by phone to kick out one of the programs. Maybe reduce it. Or raise a tax or not. You could spice up the show by having a celebrity spokesperson join the agency head, or a member of the public in making the pitch. Like, welfare recipient Miss Betty Smith and Jennifer Aniston pitch for keeping CalWorks. While taxpayer, Mr. Joe Smith, and Brad Pitt are on the other side.”

“Or Jon and Kate taking different sides on an issue,” Marie said getting into the spirit of the thing.

“Right,” said Grady. “Then the voters get to vote by phone or computer whether CalWorks stays or goes.”

“That seems a pretty crazy way to run government,” said Cal. “The voters deciding all the details of running the budget. And using celebrities to boot.”

Marie said, “Sounds to me that’s what we’ve been doing all along. Voters directing the budget with a ballot. Even using celebrities. Remember the Terminator.”

Grady thought a moment. “But the key to my idea is voter turnout. What, only 23% voted in the special election? You have the drama of people making their case on TV and the viewers acting as the jury. A little music, an interview with the stars; all that jazz. Voting by phone and computers will increase the numbers dramatically. And it will certainly bring out the youth vote.”

Cal looked skeptical.

Marie said, “I’m willing to try anything at this point to solve the budget mess.”

And even Cal had to nod in agreement.