Iran says Obama is a liar

[Pooky 3,840]

I didn't think that a lot of American VJers cared all that much about world opinion. What changed?

When politics at home seem to be going awry, it is natural to look at the world beyond your shores to find some distraction.

This isn't the first time, and it will by no means be the last.

[Karee 4,191]

I can see how voters who uncritically vote along party lines could be described as sheep but surely if you dont vote then not only are you a sheep but you're a sheep in the slaughterhouse with a knife to your throat.

Thanks to this electoral college B.S., only a handful of states decide presidential elections these days.

[Peikko 1,575]

I can think of some other things that diminish the effectiveness of the democratic process, namely voter fraud. Why would someone be compelled to wait in line at a polling station only to have their vote cancelled out by someone voting multiple times for the opposition or by someone voting that is dead?

Is your point really that as there is inevitably going to be some voter fraud no one should bother to vote? I would suggest that if that is your point you are simply wrong. Unless there is wholesale voter fraud or voter fraud that materially effects the electoral process (which incidentally there isn't in the US) then you would be well to continue voting.

Even in a country that is vexed by significant voter fraud, continuing to exercise your right to vote is still important unless you think that lying down and allowing the bus to run over you is a useful strategy.

[Peikko 1,575]

Thanks to this electoral college B.S., only a handful of states decide presidential elections these days.

This is true, however the electoral process does not work effectively unless there is majority participation in it. If too many people become lethargic and refuse to even participate there is a distinct danger of the idea that the voter is irrelevant becoming a self fulfilling prophesy.

[Merle 458]

Is your point really that as there is inevitably going to be some voter fraud no one should bother to vote? I would suggest that if that is your point you are simply wrong. Unless there is wholesale voter fraud or voter fraud that materially effects the electoral process (which incidentally there isn't in the US) then you would be well to continue voting.

Even in a country that is vexed by significant voter fraud, continuing to exercise your right to vote is still important unless you think that lying down and allowing the bus to run over you is a useful strategy.

I do vote but the state in which I reside hasn't voted a Republican into office since Ronald Reagan. Seattle decides the elections in this state.

[Peikko 1,575]

I do vote but the state in which I reside hasn't voted a Republican into office since Ronald Reagan. Seattle decides the elections in this state.

Which suggests that Republican candidates need to find out what ideas would appeal to that demographic and work on specific policies that they would be attracted to. Writing people off because of their general ideological view point is probably one of the biggest flaws in this two party state. Not to mention there are a lot of independents who will vote in any direction but they need to have a reason to do so.

I would have thought that if a candidate of any political colour actually put forward real and practical policies any voter would be happy to vote for them if those policies were ones that could materially effect their lives for the better regardless of their broader political leanings.

The electorate needs to be more diligent in demanding politicians put forward specifics rather than absurd generalisations that can be used to further their personal agendas rather than the needs of the people they are supposed to serve.

[luckytxn 2,265]

Loving the speeches on this fine Thanksgiving.