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illsick
United States1770 Posts
On March 02 2012 04:21 SimDawg wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 02:47 mynameisgreat11 wrote:
Only considering national elections. President, senator, etc.
I live in the USA, and I have never voted, though I've been of age for the last three presidential elections. At first it was because I lived in a state which has always been completely lopsided for one party. I felt like my vote didn't matter, which I realize is a point that many will argue. But, fu, the fact is that my state would elect republicans for national offices no matter what, period.
In the past few years, however, my reasons have changed a bit. Now I realize that I just have no faith in the electoral system. As much as I hate sounding like a long-boarding, clove-smoking,, hipster douche, I feel like the fact of the matter is that the wealthy elite of the country really do control everything. Business moguls and celebrities become senators, governors, and president. Our laws, regulations, and taxes are thought up and created by people who are wealthy and powerful. They've proven time and time again that they're willing to use their position to advance their own ends.
And of course, lobbyists. Whatever company, group, or individual has the most money can trade that cash in for political influence. Oil companies wine, dine, and bribe for the rights to drill in previously protected environmental areas. Religions collect hundreds of billions annually, tax-free mind you, and then turn around and pump that money right back into congress to support bills that they find morally correct.
I know that this is nothing new. Classes have existed since the beginning of civilization. What's infuriating is that Democracy is touted as a government of the people, where decisions and policies are made based on the will of the general public.
It's not. That's why I don't vote.
Is this a blog? This is ridiculous. Do you realize a little over 50% of the voting population actually voted in 2008? An historic election, about 55% of people voted. Who knows what the other 45% was doing or even if they should be voting, because I don't want uneducated people just pressing buttons. But if you don't think 45% of the population can change the direction of the country you're happily deluded and living in a conspiracy theorist's life.
he doesn't vote but feels the need to tell people he didn't vote and that he doesn't like the people that are running our country
/irony
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Ok, mean-face.
There are laws that limit the amount one person/company can donate to a campaign. So, if somebody wants to donate above that amount, they split it into many small payments, so its not illegal. That's why there are lots of little contributions.
No, it's incredibly illegal for people to split donations into small payments. Direct donations to a campaign cannot exceed 2,500$ per election (so in reality 5,000$ between primary and general election). Not that the FEC does much about campaign finance fraud, but don't say it's legal.
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On March 02 2012 04:17 Perseverance wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 03:16 KwarK wrote:
Statistically no one vote ever makes a difference, no major election is decided by a single vote. The argument "but if everyone thought like that then..." is meaningless because there is no connection between your choice to vote and anyone else's, if you go into the ballot room and spoil your ballot then nobody else will do anything different because of it. There is absolutely no value to voting beyond any personal gratification you get out of it. And this is why the system will always be flawed. Poor America 
Well hes from the UK, so really hes just bitter about losing the American Revolution. Silly grudge holding red coats. He lashes out against our superior government because the tea and crumpet gorge fest can't stem the tide of his over bearing depression brought on by the loss of the empire.
To any one who has played eve with the man, kwark rage rants are actually him venting over these same frustrations.
But in all seriousness, thats one of the worst arguments I've ever heard from kwark. I absolutely hate when people attempt to to take their idea, dumb or not, and add in words like "I understand game theory or any other vaguely related discipline" "Statistically....." its always just a thinly veiled attempt to hide a lack of citations of support with an attempt to make yourself sound like an authoritative source.
Hell, I could say statistically, the guy with the most electoral votes wins the presidential race. Thus voting is important because it influences the distribution of electoral votes. My vote shares a deep connection with others that choose not to vote because it greatly increases the the individual representation of my vote when they choose not to. The best part is when I go vote for a complete nutter, those who don't vote will never have the chance to counter balance my vote for Mr Nutter. This is the greatest satisfaction from voting, I am contributing to the cause of voting in a candidate of my choosing, and people aren't opposing my vote.
Comes off about as wishy washy as your argument and I even used most of the same statements.
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On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here.
We might not have the best equality of result in the world, but we have the best equality of opportunity known to man, and for me, that's the only thing that counts.
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On March 02 2012 04:40 viticuss wrote:
Ok, mean-face.
There are laws that limit the amount one person/company can donate to a campaign. So, if somebody wants to donate above that amount, they split it into many small payments, so its not illegal. That's why there are lots of little contributions.
No, it's incredibly illegal for people to split donations into small payments. Direct donations to a campaign cannot exceed 2,500$ per election (so in reality 5,000$ between primary and general election). Not that the FEC does much about campaign finance fraud, but don't say it's legal.
[/QUOTE]
Ok, its illegal, but it happens all the time. Result is the same --> Rich exert more political influence than poor.
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Russian Federation4447 Posts
I don't vote either.
They say it makes a difference, but the puppet always get played by the puppet masters.
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This discusssion is stupid! Just vote for the ideas you think may change ur contry, believe in the person you vote for. I've studied the elections system in USA in class and i've been in 2 americans family for 4 month. It's like people only think about themselves, their little life, their family, their social place is all for them. It's just the consequence of letting some fucking liberal guys (the religious thing is so funny, it's like they can do what they want as long as they pray! lol they should read more about the holy book) govern ur country. I'm not afraid of writing that all the republicans are rotten to the core. I'm not afraid of writting that the model ur republicans created is as bad as communism in URSS. It's speculation that can make country fall like Greece (thx goldman sax) and traders. Ur republicans are heads of compagnies and it's not possible to govern like that, u cant make properr decision like that. They only act for USA economy not for their people. You know i would have been glad if Obama was president of France. I see all the critics about him about being indecisive and that's so funny. He passed more laws than Bush and still people aint happy about it. The congres has never been with him since the beginning. And with the pressure of all these compagnies changement is a dream. The thing i know for sure is that american should get out of their shitty place and try to meet people from other social classes and i've never seen that ever on tv or in real life. Voting in USA is just about if u want things to change (democrate) or not (republicans).
Sorry if i was excessive and i ain't taking my country as an exemple but it's still way better than how USA works.
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On March 02 2012 02:55 rapidash88 wrote:
Things like the resistance to SOPA have shown to me that people can still weild influence in government. In my local election, the vote for a city council seat was decided by two votes, and I was glad to have voted.
The issue in our national government is partly one of corruption (which happens in ALL governments to some extent) and the fact that our election system simple is not a very good one. The two party system that we have been forced into creates more corruption then other systems
I would just like to point out that SOPA is a bad example, it's one of those laws that, they knew was not going to pass, but by proposing something so ridiculous, they can then propose another law that's " not as bad IN COMPARAISON " but still pretty much violates and removes any freedom whatsoever on the internet.
They already had PIPA prepared anyway, just in case. As soon as you add key words like " child porn " or " terrorist " you can pretty much label anything as evil in people's mind, even if it is completely unrelated to child porn and terrorism.
Sorry for not having much more to say on the matter.
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On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here.
Obviously these problems exist here, but they do in everyother country also. And it easily proven that America is the best country but I won't go into that since it appears you are in denial for some reason. The United States has never done wrong towards me (except maby being a lil bit to harsh on da herb) and I feel like I owe everything I have to this country. So voting is the least I can do.
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On March 02 2012 04:33 SupLilSon wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:30 SimDawg wrote:On March 02 2012 04:24 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:21 SimDawg wrote:On March 02 2012 02:47 mynameisgreat11 wrote:
Only considering national elections. President, senator, etc.
I live in the USA, and I have never voted, though I've been of age for the last three presidential elections. At first it was because I lived in a state which has always been completely lopsided for one party. I felt like my vote didn't matter, which I realize is a point that many will argue. But, fu, the fact is that my state would elect republicans for national offices no matter what, period.
In the past few years, however, my reasons have changed a bit. Now I realize that I just have no faith in the electoral system. As much as I hate sounding like a long-boarding, clove-smoking,, hipster douche, I feel like the fact of the matter is that the wealthy elite of the country really do control everything. Business moguls and celebrities become senators, governors, and president. Our laws, regulations, and taxes are thought up and created by people who are wealthy and powerful. They've proven time and time again that they're willing to use their position to advance their own ends.
And of course, lobbyists. Whatever company, group, or individual has the most money can trade that cash in for political influence. Oil companies wine, dine, and bribe for the rights to drill in previously protected environmental areas. Religions collect hundreds of billions annually, tax-free mind you, and then turn around and pump that money right back into congress to support bills that they find morally correct.
I know that this is nothing new. Classes have existed since the beginning of civilization. What's infuriating is that Democracy is touted as a government of the people, where decisions and policies are made based on the will of the general public.
It's not. That's why I don't vote.
Is this a blog? This is ridiculous. Do you realize a little over 50% of the voting population actually voted in 2008? An historic election, about 55% of people voted. Who knows what the other 45% was doing or even if they should be voting, because I don't want uneducated people just pressing buttons. But if you don't think 45% of the population can change the direction of the country you're happily deluded and living in a conspiracy theorist's life. I do realize that about half the eligible voters here don't vote, yes. I don't think it changes what I said. So you just wanted to rant instead of talking about trying to actually make a difference? My bad. I misunderstood. I don't think he started this thread with the intent of solving the growing problem of voter apathy in the US. He's asking WHY people vote, as in, people who do choose to vote, why do you choose to do so?
Civic duty?
What bothers me is the OP is basically saying "I'm unsatisfied with how much my vote matters!!!!" "if I'm not super rich my vote doesn't matter!!!" All I hear is "I'm too lazy to make a difference"
Like, Warren Buffet's 1 vote counts as much as yours. Warren Buffet holds influence because he puts a lot of effort into it. Money is of course the easiest way to exert effort on the political system, but it is not the only way. Be a community organizer, convince 100 people to vote for the guy you believe in... boom now you have the power of 101 votes instead of one, because you put in some effort.
I see voting as the final, and easiest, step in a campaign. Since I've put in so much effort over the past X months campaigning or at least being an active observer in the process, why wouldn't I vote?
The OP also sounds mad that he doesn't live in a battle ground state, and because of this feels powerless when once every 4 years a presidential election occurs and his state is a NC. Instead of sitting and complaining why don't you work during those 4 years to change the landscape of your state? MAKE your state a battleground state. Start by getting your party in at the state level, try and win an open Rep. Election (you'll never beat incumbents). Politics work from the ground up. The states that were battle ground states 20 years ago may not be so today; just because the landscapes change slowly doesn't mean it is immobile.
You can make a change, if you start small and work hard. That applies at every level. Do you think Obama's people thought he had a fucking chance in hell in 06? Hell no, he was a community organizer with State senate experience, and 1 term as a US senator. That is NOT a resume for a presidential candidate. And he won! He took down Hilary in the primary who had an order of magnitude more experience at the Federal Executive level, and he took down McCain in the general who has decades in the senate and is a decorated war hero.
The only people who think politics in America are Immobile, are people who don't follow politics in America
Furthermore, the vast majority of campaign contributions are from small donors (less than ~$200$
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Not much we can do until we get a voting system allowing for third+ parties
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On March 02 2012 04:41 SySLeif wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here. We might not have the best equality of result in the world, but we have the best equality of opportunity known to man, and for me, that's the only thing that counts.
I don't think that's actually true. The public school system is really bad in a lot of areas. Education is really the only way for people who have descended from poverty to get out of it.
I'd say reword it to say that America has the best opportunities in the world... if you can afford them.
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On March 02 2012 04:45 -Duderino- wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here. Obviously these problems exist here, but they do in everyother country also. And it easily proven that America is the best country but I won't go into that since it appears you are in denial for some reason. The United States has never done wrong towards me (except maby being a lil bit to harsh on da herb) and I feel like I owe everything I have to this country. So voting is the least I can do.
Slavery and the genocide of the Native Americans was kind of a bummer.
But hey, if you're down with da herb, I probably like you anyway, let's hang out.
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On March 02 2012 04:45 -Duderino- wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here. And it easily proven that America is the best country
I agree America is a great nation in many ways, but there are many great nations. I'd be interested in hearing your proof.
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I vote on local, but bc I live in the most liberal part of the state of California I know the Dems will carry the state regardless of my actions (and I'd vote for them anyways lol). Agree with OP, unless in swing state like Ohio or Virginia voting for nation/state is useless, and even county/local is usually a bygone affair.
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On March 02 2012 04:41 mynameisgreat11 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:40 viticuss wrote:
Ok, mean-face.
There are laws that limit the amount one person/company can donate to a campaign. So, if somebody wants to donate above that amount, they split it into many small payments, so its not illegal. That's why there are lots of little contributions.
No, it's incredibly illegal for people to split donations into small payments. Direct donations to a campaign cannot exceed 2,500$ per election (so in reality 5,000$ between primary and general election). Not that the FEC does much about campaign finance fraud, but don't say it's legal.
Ok, its illegal, but it happens all the time. Result is the same --> Rich exert more political influence than poor. [/QUOTE]
You keep saying that but its not terribly true. Like if you exclude people who just woke up with a billion dollars (the paris hiltons of the world; who honestly probably don't give a fuck about politics) People have influence in politics due to effort. If you don't have a tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to donate, then get your feet on the ground and work like people have been working to get elected in this country for 200 years. If you and your guy are good, the money will find you. Like yea if you're running for state representative you'll need some upfront to start in the order of idn ~$7-10k, but county level elections can be done for a fraction of that.
EDIT: something fucked up in the formatting, I am responding to the rich exert influence statement, not making it.
And Citizens United "solved" the problem of donation caps, so there is no point in even discussing it.
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I'm not a billionaire. Better become a political nihilist.
That's the first logical response to nonbillionairdom.
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On March 02 2012 04:46 stokes17 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:33 SupLilSon wrote:On March 02 2012 04:30 SimDawg wrote:On March 02 2012 04:24 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:21 SimDawg wrote:On March 02 2012 02:47 mynameisgreat11 wrote:
Only considering national elections. President, senator, etc.
I live in the USA, and I have never voted, though I've been of age for the last three presidential elections. At first it was because I lived in a state which has always been completely lopsided for one party. I felt like my vote didn't matter, which I realize is a point that many will argue. But, fu, the fact is that my state would elect republicans for national offices no matter what, period.
In the past few years, however, my reasons have changed a bit. Now I realize that I just have no faith in the electoral system. As much as I hate sounding like a long-boarding, clove-smoking,, hipster douche, I feel like the fact of the matter is that the wealthy elite of the country really do control everything. Business moguls and celebrities become senators, governors, and president. Our laws, regulations, and taxes are thought up and created by people who are wealthy and powerful. They've proven time and time again that they're willing to use their position to advance their own ends.
And of course, lobbyists. Whatever company, group, or individual has the most money can trade that cash in for political influence. Oil companies wine, dine, and bribe for the rights to drill in previously protected environmental areas. Religions collect hundreds of billions annually, tax-free mind you, and then turn around and pump that money right back into congress to support bills that they find morally correct.
I know that this is nothing new. Classes have existed since the beginning of civilization. What's infuriating is that Democracy is touted as a government of the people, where decisions and policies are made based on the will of the general public.
It's not. That's why I don't vote.
Is this a blog? This is ridiculous. Do you realize a little over 50% of the voting population actually voted in 2008? An historic election, about 55% of people voted. Who knows what the other 45% was doing or even if they should be voting, because I don't want uneducated people just pressing buttons. But if you don't think 45% of the population can change the direction of the country you're happily deluded and living in a conspiracy theorist's life. I do realize that about half the eligible voters here don't vote, yes. I don't think it changes what I said. So you just wanted to rant instead of talking about trying to actually make a difference? My bad. I misunderstood. I don't think he started this thread with the intent of solving the growing problem of voter apathy in the US. He's asking WHY people vote, as in, people who do choose to vote, why do you choose to do so? Civic duty? What bothers me is the OP is basically saying "I'm unsatisfied with how much my vote matters!!!!" "if I'm not super rich my vote doesn't matter!!!" All I hear is "I'm too lazy to make a difference" Like, Warren Buffet's 1 vote counts as much as yours. Warren Buffet holds influence because he puts a lot of effort into it. Money is of course the easiest way to exert effort on the political system, but it is not the only way. Be a community organizer, convince 100 people to vote for the guy you believe in... boom now you have the power of 101 votes instead of one, because you put in some effort. I see voting as the final, and easiest, step in a campaign. Since I've put in so much effort over the past X months campaigning or at least being an active observer in the process, why wouldn't I vote? The OP also sounds mad that he doesn't live in a battle ground state, and because of this feels powerless when once every 4 years a presidential election occurs and his state is a NC. Instead of sitting and complaining why don't you work during those 4 years to change the landscape of your state? MAKE your state a battleground state. Start by getting your party in at the state level, try and win an open Rep. Election (you'll never beat incumbents). Politics work from the ground up. The states that were battle ground states 20 years ago may not be so today; just because the landscapes change slowly doesn't mean it is immobile. You can make a change, if you start small and work hard. That applies at every level. Do you think Obama's people thought he had a fucking chance in hell in 06? Hell no, he was a community organizer with State senate experience, and 1 term as a US senator. That is NOT a resume for a presidential candidate. And he won! He took down Hilary in the primary who had an order of magnitude more experience at the Federal Executive level, and he took down McCain in the general who has decades in the senate and is a decorated war hero. The only people who think politics in America are Immobile, are people who don't follow politics in America Furthermore, the vast majority of campaign contributions are from small donors (less than ~$200$
I'm not mad because I don't think my vote makes a difference. In my OP, I state that is how I used to feel but now [rest of my OP].
I also have posted twice about things I can do to 'make a difference'. I explain my thoughts on voting, protesting, or working in politics. If you see something I'm missing, please point it out.
And I probably should just leave this out, but seriously dude, if I work hard I'll turn Utah into a Democrat state? It would literally take the second coming of Christ for Utah to not vote Republican.
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On March 02 2012 04:46 Voltaire wrote:Show nested quote +On March 02 2012 04:41 SySLeif wrote:On March 02 2012 04:38 mynameisgreat11 wrote:On March 02 2012 04:33 -Duderino- wrote:
People in the U.S vote because thier individual vote doesnt matter but the American vote as a whole does. We vote because we feel we owe it to our fellow Americans who have the same believes as us.
All the bashing of the American political system is so overblown. Yes it is chaotic and yes money and lobbying does influence it, BUT our political system has made us hands down the greatest country the world has ever seen and probally ever will. The American politcal system has given all Americans so much opportunity, freedom and wealth that the biggest politcal arguements of the day are based on gay rights and religon lol.
Americans have so little problems that are biggest concern when voting is "what do they think about gay marriage" lol like a totally pointless topic, or "what is your plans for fixing these other countries like afghanistan iran and iraq", its not what is your plan for preventing American starvation or any of the other basic problems that many countries still face. So yes our system is a little crazy but until some other country comes close to besting it (which I strongly believe will not be in my lifetime), I will happily cast my useless vote and be proud to be an American. I like lots of things about America, but I'd be careful about calling us the 'greatest country the world has ever seen'. I actually feel that America has only given 'so much opportunity, freedom, and wealth' to a certain few. Lots of Americans have problems that aren't little, including starvation. My significant other is a social worker. Every day she is with people who are starving, ill and cannot receive care, and any number of problems that go along with being poor. These problems exist here. We might not have the best equality of result in the world, but we have the best equality of opportunity known to man, and for me, that's the only thing that counts. I don't think that's actually true. The public school system is really bad in a lot of areas. Education is really the only way for people who have descended from poverty to get out of it. I'd say reword it to say that America has the best opportunities in the world... if you can afford them.
According to the Human Development Index I believe we're 3rd in the world right now. Also considering only 50% of people stay in their same bracket (socioeconomic bracket cut into 5 layers) every decade, I would consider that a good sign (according to Dye).
For education, yes it's bad and that's why it needs reform. The rich are going to have their "elite" education anyways, there's no stopping it.
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On March 02 2012 03:18 NotSorry wrote:
I vote on smaller topics that will effect me locally/statewide, I will vote on governors and senate seats but I feel things like presidents are already decided in each state due to the joke of a system that is the electoral college, sure there are some states still up for grabs but there are many states that have been overwhelmingly Red or Blue since the beginning of the electoral college such as my home state as such I don't bother to vote.
Remove the electoral college and make every vote count!
I really don't want 100 million people with IQs of less than 100 making the difference in the election. We'll end up even worse off.
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EPT
