Running For #Office.... Because It's Faster Than Walking

Are any of you - like me - under the impression (god knows where THAT came from!) that any American citizen not in jail or guilty of crimes can run for any governmental office at any time (that there's an election going on) with no prerequisites other than to win, you must receive the majority of votes??? Well did you know that in Pinellas county Florida, in order to run for oh say.... Commissioner.... you have to pay a FEE in order to get on the ballot!? And did you assume that this fee is like oh say..... $25? $50? $100??? Well, like me, you may be shocked (or not) to know that the fee to get your name on the ballot to run for county commissioner in Pinellas county Florida is %6 if you are party, %5 if you are non-party, of the salary of the position which is..........
$5653.20 and $3768.80 respectively!?!?!?
Nothing in this country is free like we think it is!!! NOTHING.
Especially not politics, and it has ALWAYS been this way!
But nobody cares. And those that do, are afraid!!!
So this is what you get... This is the fruit of the seeds our fathers and grandfathers carelessly planted... Or rather carelessly trusted others to plant for them..... Now we, their children and grandchildren, are slaves...... Slaves to corruption, dishonesty, greed..... Slaves to fear.... And the very shackle itself - MONEY.
This is not ok. Not right. Not good. It is NOT just the way things are...  not anymore. They are ALL corrupt!!!!! And if you think there is one that is not..... one that is good and cares about "us".... then YOU are the problem.