Much has been debated lately about the wisdom, timing and style of electing presidential candidates in the state of Michigan. Too much of the discussion has majored on minors: Who's running, Who's the blame, Primary or Caucus, or What process will favor our pet candidate.

Yet the bigger issues - the ones that will last far beyond the next few months are crying out for recognition. Roland Martin, CNN journalist, has taken the side of Michigan and Florida in insisting that the rest of the country should be able to participate in selecting our President. He says:

"Michigan, Florida and others have seen their state officials change the law to force their primaries to the top of the election calendar so that they might have a greater say in who is president. While these changes have created a huge mess for the campaigns - they are not sure exactly when the voting will take place - I must admit that I'm on the side of the states. It is grossly unfair for Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina to pretty much decide the presidency."

He goes on to say, "Iowa and New Hampshire residents want to keep saying it's about tradition. I think it's about money. The TV stations, newspapers, hotels, restaurants, sign companies and other businesses make a ton of dough off these candidates, and they don't want that cash cow to feed others."

I think Roland is right. A democratic government is supposed to be of the people, for the people and by the people. By virtue of this current process, we have developed a caste system - political haves and have nots.

It is time to break the power grab and make Democratic and Republican candidates run for the President of the United STATES. Not just Iowa and New Hampshire.