I am one of the majority that doesn't vote. Why you ask? Because I lost faith in American politicians a long time ago (and I'm only 22)... I think that for the government to work better, politicians should be paid a lot less and be not aloowed to give themselves raises. This way, only people that want to make a difference will have a chance to be in a position to make a difference. Also, this will free up a good amount of money for other things, such education, defense, and other worthy causes... Politicians are all slimeballs and liars. Why would I want of them representing me? If I wanted one, I'd go to the local prison and find a criminal that is to my liking... Our main two political parties seemed to more concerned with making sure that the other's legislation doesn't get through than with making the US a better place. Of course, many will counter with third party candidates, or the "extremists" as I like to call them because they most often have one main issue that they deal with and say nothing about anything else... I could go on and on, but I won't because it leaves me sick to my stomach. Therefore, I'll conclude with: Why should I vote when all the politicans are basically the same? It won't matter one way or the other.

These are just my thoughts on the matter. Right or wrong, it is what I feel.

I'm not so sure about that MagiK, I kinda figure Them that take the time to try and find out what is going on in politics, do go out and vote. Them that don't really care to find out what's going on, well I'm glad they don't get off their duffs and vote. I'll take the outcome, even if it is not who I voted for, if the voters take the time to try and find out what is going on.</font>[/QUOTE]<font color="#33cc33">This brings up a whole different issue and that is,
Should Every Adult US citizen be allowed to vote? I wonder aobut the wisdom of allowing every idiot off the street being allowed to affect the leadership selections for the nation. </font>

<font color="#33cc33">You might want to do a little math. Add up the combined slaries of all the senators and congressmen and of the president and the Judicial branch, and you aren't talkin about that much money as far as national spending goes.

Heck the president makes less than half a mil. a year.
The people serving in office aren't getting rich off their salaries. Its the power that gets them, that and kick backs and book deals and contributions.

The Average corporate CEO will make more money than the politicians by far. What might help is to get rid of the idea of political carreers, limit terms and don't just do it on a national level...but this causes other problems....it is a very complex issue and by not voting you are choosing to not even try to make a difference.

Nothing wrong with choosing not to try, thats up to you but if you take that path, you really loose any legitimate excuse you had to complain.</font>

<font color="#33cc33">That brings up "do we want every idiot being allowed to vote?" A thread unto itself I would think [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

On the contrary, I think. If you vote and the system ends up picking the other guy (or gal) you have no right to complain because the system worked. I, on the hand, can complain because I think the system is wrong.

On the salary issue: I think you are right on a national level, but I was referring to the local level as well. Here in Saginaw, Michigan, for instance, we're in the red, yet our representives decided that they should get more money! Now how does that make sense? I think the same happened in the state government, as well. How does that make sense?

One local issue should not embitter you toward the entire political process. IMHO, the lower you go in government (e.g., county commisioners) the lower caliber the individuals. But by opting out of the system, you basically allow others to run your life, pretty much as they see fit. And, if you are not a part of the system, change becomes impossible.

<font color = lightgreen>If you don't vote and I do, then only my vision of how the country should be structured will happen, whether you like it or not. Then, when my politician passes a law you think is unfair and you break that law, you will suffer the consequences.

Believe me, I know all about being cynical about politics and politicians because I have been there myself. Unfortunately, that is the system we have [representative democracy or republic] and that isn't going to change in our lifetime.

If you don't like the country, then vote for the candidate whose views mirror your own.</font>

Hey, <font color=lightgreen>Azred</font> Long time, no see. It amazes me when people take that "all politcians are alike" line in a country that has Cynthia McKillip and Kathleen Harris. ;)

On the contrary, I think. If you vote and the system ends up picking the other guy (or gal) you have no right to complain because the system worked. I, on the hand, can complain because I think the system is wrong.

<font color="#33cc33">I think your logic is flawed, because, at least you tried. Making an effort may not influence the outcome but it does show character and determination to at least make the attempt. To sit back and do nothing is a ..well I won't say anything about it because it wouldn't be complimentry.</font>

On the salary issue: I think you are right on a national level, but I was referring to the local level as well. Here in Saginaw, Michigan, for instance, we're in the red, yet our representives decided that they should get more money! Now how does that make sense? I think the same happened in the state government, as well. How does that make sense?

<font color="#33cc33">I do believe ANY salary increase at any level of government should be directly tied to results. And reductions would be possible. (in my fantasy world that is [img]smile.gif[/img] ) </font></font>[/QUOTE]

<font color = lightgreen>If you don't vote and I do, then only my vision of how the country should be structured will happen, whether you like it or not. Then, when my politician passes a law you think is unfair and you break that law, you will suffer the consequences.

Believe me, I know all about being cynical about politics and politicians because I have been there myself. Unfortunately, that is the system we have [representative democracy or republic] and that isn't going to change in our lifetime.

If you don't like the country, then vote for the candidate whose views mirror your own.</font></font>[/QUOTE]<font color="#33cc33">I agree with you Azred, and not ALL politicians are the same, if you think Dems and Reps. are the same or two sidesof the same coin, then there are third party options. Voting third party may not let you win the election, but the more votes that guy gets shows the guy who won just how important that guys position is...and the guy who won will try to do something to attract the third parties votes...because the two major parties are that close that every vote counts...so if your candidate is green party...then the guy who wants more votes will focus on the ecology.

Hope that wasnt too convoluted.
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