On Experience

I have recently experienced several interesting difficulties hunting for a job, which, inevitably, have led me to think about the upcoming election. For instance, were you aware that positions available for Editorial Internships at local magazines actually require their applicants to have a background of at least two years writing for a publication? WTF? Why the hell would I be an intern if I could be writing for a magazine? Why yes, ma'am, I'll fetch you your coffee without being paid instead of sending in my writing for lots and lots of money. 

Instance second: three different restaurants here in the Portland area have stated that their dishwashing applicants need at least 5yrs experience in that capacity in order to apply... I don't even want to get into what they want from their wait-staff. 

Is this the effect the election is having on the country? The media has been going on and on and on for so long about Obama's lack of experience that now local businesses think that they, too, should turn down perfectly qualified candidates just to join in the fun? 

I understand the desire of business owners to hire the most qualified people for the job that they  possibly can, but there is a fine line between not wanting to train lazy teenage employees and requiring yourself straight into a corner.