First, let me state that I have no loyalty to either party; both parties have corruption in them. I’d like to take this moment to make a couple of observations about this past election and also ask a couple of questions (first – there are many “Danisms”, so bear with me). Opinions are free, and like everyone; I have one too.
Observations:
1. I do not think either party is representative of the population. How many of you are polled by your representatives asking you how they should vote; or simply for your opinions.
2. There is so much pork in a bill to get votes that the original bill is of no value. One thing I liked about McCain is he promised to list the pork attached to a bill – so we, the people could see who was being rewarded for their votes.
3. The big thing (for me) that I liked about Obama; he appears presidential and didn’t lose his cool during the dabates, for those in N.D.- that means he plays well with others (I’m from ND- I can say that).
4. Both candidates promise the moon; Congress has to pass bills and such. The president needs the backing of Congress to get their agendas passed.
5. People who say “Your vote doesn’t count, it is an electoral process”, I say you are mistaken sir/ma’am. A states electoral commitee is determined by the number of it’s members in the House of Representatives plus the number of Senators it has (2 in case some didn’t know). The number of Representatives is determined by population. A person’s vote has more “bang” if you will in local elections; because there are less people voting. I urge you – don’t vote for a “party” during local elections; read their position papers, their thoughts on issues and how they interact with people – then decide who YOU think would best serve your locale. Then, take it up a step, and vote for who (regardless of party) YOU think would best serve your state. Finally; vote for the person (once again, regardless of party) who YOU think would best serve the ISSUES you care about – not the issues the news and talk shows preach – vote your conscience. The Electoral college only comes into play in presidential elections.
6. Keeping on the electoral college; third party candidates have no [realistic] chance on the presidential ticket.
Questions:
1. I think the time of the electoral college is well past. With today’s technology (I don’t have conspiracy theories-sorry) don’t you think we could perform an election by population vs. the electoral college? CNN has no problem attaining the popular vote- and I refuse to believe they have the most leading technology.
2. How do you feel about having party affiliation removed from the ballot?
3. Do you vote in your local elections & Primaries? If not, why not?
4. Who do you think should have more power, the state or federal government? The founding fathers thought the power should reside in the states, with powers that were common and helped everyone “get along” residing on the federal level.
Recommendations:
1. Every citizen should have to visit Project Vote Smart (www.votesmart.org).
2. Every elected Representative and Senator should be taken on a guided tour of Gettysburg (it’s close to DC) and be reminded of what it took to keep our union together.
3. We are the UNITED states of America – the strength of our country is our diversity. We are Americans, we should be proud, not hyphenated. More to follow...I like politics… Thank you for your time and allowing me to ramble.
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