Quote from gnome:
You make it sound like the Average American is politically aware, informed and made rational choices to elect the 545.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Americans are politically naive, not informed... sheep, really... and are just as likely to vote for "best smile" as any other reason... especially when given only 2, equally despicable choices.
Yeah, we "elected" them... but what choice did we really have?
We DO "go to the polls", but we really only have a choice between Giant Douche and Turd Sandwich.... because THAT'S the system.... and it has LOTS of safeguards to assure it stays just as it is. To change that system will take nothing less than a second Revolutionary War.. this time, "the people vs. our own Gummint"... America is not ready for that yet.
I would add to this statement that not only are Americans uninformed, but disinformed. Most major media are now propaganda machines for the candidates that fit their ideology. I believe we wouldn't have half the senators, reps, and many past presidents if we had an unbiased, honest media. Most people will not inform themselves, but will vote what they hear from the media.
Wonder how many people posting have actually been to either candidate's senate web sights. When my republican friend fell in love with Obama for no reason other then he liked the way he sounded giving speeches, I decided to visit Obama's senate web sight so I might send links about how everything my friend stands for is opposite of Obama's beliefs. Finally got through to him in the end, I hope.
http://obama.senate.gov/
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/
I read articles on line from both left and right about him. The voting record of a politician speaks volumes. IMO, a voting record filled with "presents" doesn't warrant a vote at all. It demonstrates weakness, or it hides a belief for political expediency.
Didn't take me long to realize I would have problems voting for him just on his voting record, even though I had already made up my mind based on the company he kept for many years. Yet, many of the things I read about this guy are not reported by most. Those that do report these things are vilified by the big boy media.
Until, and if we ever get an honest, unbiased media, we will not really know who we are voting for unless we take a little time and do a little homework. Many won't do that, thus we deserve what we get. Fucked.
I considered sitting this one out. I honestly hate voting lesser of evils, but even though I'm not a fan of Mccaine's record, he will take less from me then his opponent. That is enough to hold my nose and pull the lever.
Ask yourself this question. Which party is more likely to lower the level we define as wealth? You wont have to make more money to become wealthy under a certain party. They will define down wealth to increase the givers and reward the takers.