For deep pondering...... "Somewhere Else To Go"

[Kanary]

There've been many harsh words and many flame wars over this topic....... maybe now there can be some quiet reflection rather than knee-jerk reaction. The author makes many fine points:
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0614-02.htm

Somewhere Else to Go
US Democrats and British Labour Leaders are having to learn they
have no Entitlement to Left-leaning Voters
by Gary Younge

Hell hath no fury like an American Democrat scorned. Given the pious mendacity of the
current administration, anger is currently the Democrats' regular emotion of choice. Just the
mention of defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld, attorney general John Ashcroft or
vice-president Dick Cheney will set diatribes in motion. But if you really want to see them in
a rage wait until the Bushwhacking stops and someone admits that they voted for Ralph
Nader, the anti-corporate crusader, in the 2000 presidential elections.

The N-word should not be spoken in polite liberal company. Once his name has been uttered
all camaraderie and bonhomie evaporate as readily as if the miscreant had confessed to
relieving himself in the host's sink. There is a ready-made vocabulary Democrats use to
describe how they feel about George Bush. When it comes to Nader, and by association
those who voted for him, words fail them.

(snip)
The trouble with this plan is not just that it employs purely bureaucratic means to prevent a
legitimate, if misguided, political expression. <b>It is also that it reveals the extent to which
Democrats believe they are entitled to Nader's votes even if they make no appeal to the
concerns of those who cast them.</b> The source of their anger is that they believe his votes are
rightfully theirs. The logic of their campaign is that if Nader is removed from the equation the
votes will automatically return to their rightful owner - John Kerry.

(unfortunate major snippage -- must read article!)

<b>Elections are rarely won by fear and rage alone. Threatening voters with Bush and Howard
gives people something to vote against. Defeating Bush and Howard demands an agenda
they can also vote for.</b>

(I thought I had the tags right, but it doesn't bold. Please use your imagination. :) )

[Political_Junkie]

1. No flames here,

I agree completely. The Democrats have been leaning farther and farther to the right and I've been leaning farther and farther to the left. They don't speak to me anymore, but at this point, there is no viable alternative. We don't have the kind of voting system they have in Britain. Our laws say that any party can run, but with a winner takes all voting system, two parties is all you're really getting.

[Kanary]

2. Part of the article I was most interested in was the ones not voting

As for changing the system, I agree that it's necessary.

However the Reich Wing has created so many issues of importance, that we're stretched thin.

I don't know where the priority for this would be.

Kanary

[Political_Junkie]

3. Sorry, for the delayed response.

I think that we have to convince people that everything else revolves around this. If our voting system is seriously flawed than how can we ever have a country that is truly "of the people, by the people, and for the people".
I love my country, I know that the people here are much more kind and compassionate than what the world knows of us. Our government doesn't represent us anymore, they represent only the moneyed and powerful. This is not how it was meant to be. It's time for us to either take it back or get the hell out before it crashes down around us.
I don't want to give up. I think it's time to give instant run-off voting a try.

[Kanary]

4. Instant run-off voting is important, but......

(dang, these stooooopid subject lines.. :) )

As I said, the problem is there are So Many Problems! Created, on purpose, of course, by the RW.

I realize this is important for any kind of change, but......... look at all the crises staring us in the face that badly need our attention.......thousands dying in Iraq, 18,000 dying in the US every year from lack of medical attention, thousands left homeless in the US because of huge cuts to HUD, the environment going down the drain, Peak Oil.... on and on and onand on.......

The few of us who are awake and aware are inundated with problems needing our immediate attention, and I don't know what the answer to that is.

So, I agree with you completely........ it's *how* to make *all* of this happen.

And, you weren't the "tardy" one...... I was. :) :hi:

Kanary

[Political_Junkie]

5. Agreed

It feels overwhelming sometimes. I guess that's why we are all so scattered, so much to do, so little time.
I guess I've just been real frustrated since the caucases(sp?).
I feel like everyone just gave up. You know, I like Kerry, but he wasn't my choice. Everyone just seemed to focus on "electability" rather than where the candidates stood on the issues. I want a president I can feel proud of, is that so much to ask?
Hey, this is kinda cool, we've got this whole thread to ourselves. :)