Robert C. Koehler: Ballot And Soul

[Wilms]

Robert C. Koehler: Ballot And Soul

Monday, 10 October 2005, 12:56 pm

Opinion

If I want to generate a little fear-based insomnia, all I have to do is remind myself just before bedtime that the 2006 elections are barely a year away. Suddenly I'm awash in cold sweat and my heart starts pounding like a steam piston.

snip

We've been complacent about our democracy for the past 40 years. Since then, a lethargy - a "sophisticated despair," as some have described it - has set in. Voter turnout has steadily plummeted. Until last year, barely half the registered voters bothered to show up to choose a president, and little of consequence was at stake in any case. The contests between superficially distinguishable candidates seemed to hinge on gaffes and tie color, not issues. Our democracy was dying of indifference.

snip/more

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00107.htm

[Amaryllis]

1. Dupe, but that's okay. It deserves more attention that it got! Here;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x396193

[bleever]

2. Kick.