Another victory for Democracy

[PhillyKev 0]

I love the election process in this country. I've voted every 6 months in every minor and major election for the past 14 years since I turned 18. The peacefull transition (or retention) of power is something that I find awe inspiring. Most people take it for granted, but I think it's amazing that we've successfully done this every 4 years over 50 times in a row. It's one of the things that most makes me proud of my country.

I'm disappointed in the results, the Senate races as much or maybe even more so that the presidency. Not because I'm partisan as I'm sure several of you will claim (I voted Republican for my senator). Rather because of the positions of two of the newly elected senators.

The Republicans were tremendously successful at getting out the evangelical vote. As a result, we're now looking at an evangelical led country for the next several years, probably more.

I have no complaints about the election, I don't blame anyone, the American people have spoken. I'm in the minority it appears. A minority of 48%. My great fear is that instead of the country coming together, this is going to expand the rift between right and left. The pendulum has continued its swing to the right.

Kerry was not my first, or even second or third choice for President. He is, as most of the opposition stated, too liberal. But I favored that alternative to the too socially conservative Bush. I wanted a centrist, but that wesn't a choice this year. The division in social issues, which are issues that hardly anyone will ever change their mind over, will most likely grow over the next few years. I just hope the pendulum reaches its apex and starts back toward center before things get to out of hand.

Democracy is the true victor. But democracy does not end with the election. It's called a representative democracy for a reason. The representatives have been chosen now it's time to make sure they are aware of the issues that concern those that they represent.

Whether you're liberal or conservative, and whether your choice(s) won the offices for which you voted, make sure you voice your opinions to your representatives. The majority of us aren't as radically left or right as we come across on this forum when trying to score debate points in a discussion. Make sure your representatives know that so that we can return to a balance in this country where people can compromise and work together for common goals while not trampling on the fundamental values of each other.

[pccoder 0]

I agree that things are certainly leaning towards "out of hand" and this should be considering a serious enough thing for everyone to think about.

PcCoder.net

[Jimbo 0]

Good post, Kevin. Good post.

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

[lawrocket 3]

I agree, kev. Unfortunately, the person for whom I voted did not win the Presidency, but this was an election to vote your conscience, so Badnarik it was. I think even my wife voted for him.

While the Repubs were successful at getting out the evangelical vote, I also believe the Dems were successful at getting out the secular vote. I think, more importantly, both parties mobilized their support, and both parties saw plenty of voters.

There were simply more Bush supporters than Kerry supporters, and that played out.

Our system is set up for a peaceful transition, and this is something that I believe the rest of the world respects, regardless of what they believe about the American people.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[Guest]

Despite years of campaigning on hatred and virtriol, the support of the liberal media, and even propaganda films, the Dems lost anyway.

I tend to agree, however, that the pendulum has swung a bit too far.

Had Kerry been elected, he would have had to compromise with the Republican-controlled House and Senate.

Of course you realize, however, that Kerry's loss paves the way for Saint Hillary in 2008.

And as I've said before, it doesn't really matter who is in office under what circumstances.

When you have to be a millionaire just to run for Congress, it means that the needs and interests of the RAMs (Raggedy-Assed Masses) are one of the last things to be considered by the powers that be.

Furthermore, administrations come and go, but the Mandarins remain, beholden to no one.

mh

.

[wmw999 2,600]

Quote

Of course you realize, however, that Kerry's loss paves the way for Saint Hillary in 2008.

Man I hope not. She'd be an incredibly divisive president. She doesn't really see the advantage of compromise (oh wait -- that's a good thing now), and she figures if she thought of it, it's the best way (oh wait -- that's a good thing now too!).

Either way, she'd be a terrible president; both because of the hate that would be directed her way, taking energy from more important matters, and because of her disregard for that hate, and unwillingness to deal with it.

Smart as all get out -- I'd love to see her in the Cabinet or something like that. But not as President.

And I loved your comment about the Mandarins -- it's dead on.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[mikkey 0]

What I can’t understand is why the US seems to make it a hassle to vote.
Firstly the voting is done on a working day – when many other countries do it on a week-end.
Also, from the TV coverage it looked like that you had to queue for a very long time to get to vote, which indicates to me that there often are not enough polling stations or polling booths. I could imagine that many people would not vote for this reason?

---------------------------------------------------------
When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[kallend 2,174]

Quote

I love the election process in this country. I've voted every 6 months in every minor and major election for the past 14 years since I turned 18. The peacefull transition (or retention) of power is something that I find awe inspiring. Most people take it for granted, but I think it's amazing that we've successfully done this every 4 years over 50 times in a row. It's one of the things that most makes me proud of my country.

I'm disappointed in the results, the Senate races as much or maybe even more so that the presidency. Not because I'm partisan as I'm sure several of you will claim (I voted Republican for my senator). Rather because of the positions of two of the newly elected senators.

The Republicans were tremendously successful at getting out the evangelical vote. As a result, we're now looking at an evangelical led country for the next several years, probably more.

I have no complaints about the election, I don't blame anyone, the American people have spoken. I'm in the minority it appears. A minority of 48%. My great fear is that instead of the country coming together, this is going to expand the rift between right and left. The pendulum has continued its swing to the right.

Kerry was not my first, or even second or third choice for President. He is, as most of the opposition stated, too liberal. But I favored that alternative to the too socially conservative Bush. I wanted a centrist, but that wesn't a choice this year. The division in social issues, which are issues that hardly anyone will ever change their mind over, will most likely grow over the next few years. I just hope the pendulum reaches its apex and starts back toward center before things get to out of hand.

Democracy is the true victor. But democracy does not end with the election. It's called a representative democracy for a reason. The representatives have been chosen now it's time to make sure they are aware of the issues that concern those that they represent.

Whether you're liberal or conservative, and whether your choice(s) won the offices for which you voted, make sure you voice your opinions to your representatives. The majority of us aren't as radically left or right as we come across on this forum when trying to score debate points in a discussion. Make sure your representatives know that so that we can return to a balance in this country where people can compromise and work together for common goals while not trampling on the fundamental values of each other.

Unfortunately the system of choosing candidates via the primaries does not favor centrists or moderates. Clinton was an exception in getting the nod from his party.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[kelpdiver 2]

Quote

What I can’t understand is why the US seems to make it a hassle to vote.
Firstly the voting is done on a working day – when many other countries do it on a week-end.
Also, from the TV coverage it looked like that you had to queue for a very long time to get to vote, which indicates to me that there often are not enough polling stations or polling booths. I could imagine that many people would not vote for this reason?

Lines are pretty unusual. Our turnout was about 20% higher than typical this time. Those that wanted to vote before work or in the later evening got caught up with everyone else. TV isn't going to waste air time showing people going in and out in 3 minutes. It does suggest that more precincts are needed, or with a larger number of voting booths.

I mailed in my ballot on Saturday. No lines at all.

[catfishhunter 2]

WOW.I don't post here often and most of what I read from you has just left me shaking my head.Actually it made me glad I don't know you personally and up tell now never wished to ever meet your aquaintance. This post however (if it is actually you that wrote it) might change my mind

Quote

The majority of us aren't as radically left or right as we come across on this forum when trying to score debate points in a discussion.

Say what you mean and mean what you say or say nothing at all
Thanks for the post Kev. Best thing I have ever read from you!

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
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