The Pursuit of Happiness!

Maureen, this isnt intended "at" you, its just that I need to vent, as I have had a belly full.

Unfortunately, for me, voting has become nothing more than an empty symbol. Whats the point of electing this liar/scoundrel/moron instead of that liar/scoundrel/moron? What's the point of passing this misrepresented ballot proposition secretly financed by the exact folks you would think would oppose that rather than voting it down?

If all the people who truly believe that a vote is something very special and to be cherished would start storming the gates when the people they elect misuse the trust placed in them, as they do on such a regular basis, rather than greeting it with a yawn and another trip to the mall then home to watch "Lost" perhaps I could feel they were more sincere. But in my mind, folks who are so excited to excercise their right to vote one day a year, then tune out the other 364 are doing the democracy they say they cherish so much a great disservice.

Michael, I am honored that this small piece could being this kind of comment & dialogue.
I agree with the contents of your comments. Especially, where you mention the word "lost" and speak of the people that get excited for one day & forget than tune out the other 364 days. This, is why ELECTION 2006 is so important we have a great opportunity to make a big difference & to make a huge change. It is up to the individuals *We The People* to do their homework and know what, whom and why they have selected to give an another person the right to represent them & be their voice...use your vote wisely. Michael, ranting is good...we have that right also!! Thank you, I like your ranting!

Thanks, Maureen. And thanks for the connection request. I am enjoying Gather very much, and continue to meet some fantastic intelligent folks on here, you included. See you on Gather!

jeffrey, nice to meet you, but my Congressman (Cunningham) is in jail, three members of my five member city council (San Diego) were arrested in a FBI sting, our Mayor resigned in disgrace, and the city is bankrupt because the last three councils and mayor have been secretly trading huge pension benefits to the city worker unions in exchange for endorsements.

Now, you can say "VOTE!" like its a big deal, and that's ok. But the fact is, most citizens do not participate on a regular basis in the democracy, and the people we elects, the vast majority of congressmen for example, have taken the time honored tradition of trading votes for favors to heights our forefathers never dreamed of. Our Congressman literally had a BRIBE MENU - this much in earmarks costs you this much in "Contributions". Campaign coffers are regularly abused, and retiring politicians are taking their last campaigns money for their own personal piggy banks. If you want to vote to continue that system, go right ahead. I have decided that until I see a real change in attitude on the part of the public, this is exactly they type of government we deserve, one that is only concerned about what's in it for them. Even the election itself is all about "which side wins" instead of whats right for the country. Maybe, JUST MAYBE, a Republican in AZ is better for the country than his Democratic opponent and in Idaho there is a Democrat who has better ideas than his Republican Incumbent counterpart. But the media cant be bothered with that, and neither than the public. We need to be able to hear the whole story in five minutes, or our attention span wanes.

There are great public servents out there. Jeff Flake, an AZ congressman regularly rails against earmarks, much to the chagrin of the crooks from both parties he serves with.

Again, if folks want this country to work, voting is simply the paint on the building. If its filled with termites, putting another coat of paint on it only serves to hide the damage.

To my American friends: May you vote well.
Vote with your heart because too many people have been messing with your mind.

Michael, I certainly can empathize with you & San Diego...all the more reason to find people that will be honorable to their position and the people who elect them. Especially, at the local level...it's so very difficult at that level they have been in office for years. People owe them a lot of favors, deal making etc., all the more to get them out.
IMHO: it is so vitally important to get the bad apples out...sadly, people like you have
describe
been in the *system* for too long and it is very difficult to get them out. But, one must. Otherwise what is the alternative?
Like Dylan sings "Times are a changing."

I know I was born & raised in Boston...time for a change!!

I couldn't agree more! Election day is a meaningless show. At least that's how it feels. What can be morally redeeming about voting for one faker over another? Will we ever be able to hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions?

This year I expect to vote straight down the Working Families Party line, as they tend to endorse the best from both parties. Enough of the political divisiveness!

David, You are voting and making an intelligent decision based on your knowledge that you have gain...Good for you! I just saw another Gatherer article on" Voting is easy staying engaged is hard." We must stay engaged and informed. Thanks for stopping by.

the propaganda spewed by the commentators does bring your vote into question. our news is filtered and certain stories don't appear. the commentators sometimes misrepresent stories or leave out details that conflict with their opinion.

the media is not serving us well. and people are voting.

troublemkr s. You have may vote on your very astute comment TY.

I'm a big freedom of the press guy, but I am starting to believe that 24 hour news channels are doing us a great disservice by magnifying problems to a great degree.

Michael, I personally think TV. is soon going to be a thing of the past! I hope...although, I must admit I am watching a bit more the past few days to kept what up Election 2006.
It is the most dramatic and historic midterm election. It looks like right now the Democrats are going to talk back the house after 12 years of control.

Now, hopefully we can & will begin to make decisions & think about what need we need
to with the future. And, bring back pride to this country, within our country & in the eyes of the world...become The World Leader we had always been.

Then, after tomorrow I look forward to reading more of your articles and our share love of horse!!

Deal!

Folks, I hear what you are all saying about how voting doesn't matter. But it does, it really does matter. You do have a right to demand real reporting from your local news media. You do have a right to demand that votes are counting legally and honestly. But you have to start by getting to the polls today.

Today is a great day for the United States. Today we stand on the brink of either a new era, or more of the same. If people get out and vote with their hearts, we will enter a new era where puppets of large corporations and the religious right no longer dictate the law of the land and have unchecked power to throw around the lives of the world's greatest soldiers.

Vote today. Vote for change. Balance the Federal government and strip the party that has abused our trust from having a lock on congress and the white house.

I respect the opinion of those who do not agree with me and welcome your comments too. All I ask is that we keep this discussion civil. Part of what makes this country great is the balance of different ideals.

"It looks like right now the Democrats are going to talk back the house after 12 years of [Republican] control"

This is a great day in American history. Here in Massachusetts where we also have a Governorship up for grabs, they are expecting record voter turnout for a midterm election. It makes me proud to see people rising up from apathy and mandating change. Yes, this is a good day. Even if when all is said and done the Dems fall short of a majority, the fact that so many people spoke up, got out and voted, and dared to vote for change is a huge plus.

Rich, I don't know how to demand real reporting from my local media, when Stanley Hubbard owner of KSTP-TV is quoted as saying he sent his reporter out with the specifics of finding and publishing/airing negative news stories about the democrats. While we all know here that he is a republican, the fact that he purposely wants to use an ABC affiliate to tip an election should send lawmakers out there to pass laws making this illegal unless he plans on airing negative stories on all candidates and all parties.

I just returned from voting a short while ago - it was quick and painless and I am proudly wearing that little sticker on my shirt that seems to validate one as a "Good American", LOL!

Seriously Mo, while I don't agree with all of your political views, I do love your passion for your candidates and especially for the process!

I just can't understand people who smirk at this very basic right. I had this very discussion with my ex last night, who admitted he has come down with a case of apathy. He said he wasn't going to vote in this election because he doesn't like any of the candidates and doesn't feel strongly, or well-informed enough about the propositions. I decided that would make my votes count even more because he would not be there to cancel them out - so I made it a point to go to the polls today!

And I just love Rich's quote:

Part of what makes this country great is the balance of different ideals.

mozy - i was so glad to show lillie all about voting today. she helped me press the buttons on the computer. whoo!!

Bonnie, Thank you for your very kind & wise words. The American people have spoken tonight. Clearly, it is time for a new course...to unite Democrat, Republicans and Independents. New beginnings to make our beloved nation great once again.
Together, we can ALL work to make it we can do it, stay engaged and work to make this happen.
ox Mo-zy

Looks like some people did indeed vote today :)

Robin, It sure does!! :)

I'm with HFRSWLR-S (aka Liz).

Bonnie, Big Thanks for your very positive comments. We are long over due for a phone chat!! ox MO

I am so johnny come lately, but I am delighted just to read you again. I absentee ballot voted from Europe, of course, and was glad to see my vote mattered this time.
Good to see you, Maureen!

Tim, I thought you wanted to be in the corporate world as CEO & making the big bucks? Sir, it appears you maybe doing some fancy 'flip-flopping here! ~ mo-zy P.S. I think this is my best "gotta ya'" so for.