The failure of democracy must, by definition, be laid at least in part upon the voters, and the voters who do not vote....that is, US. We have a responsibility to vote as close to our conscience as possible. It is not a chore or an annoyance; it is a privilege. ifnyou do not want to bother to vote then, IMO, you should not be allowed ANY right of citizenship. I admit that is possibly unfair, but I know what my Polish family endured, and why my other ancestors fled Europe, and if you do not vote, you are part of the problrm.
Participation is the bedrock of democracy. I do not care if the next president is picking Supreme Court Justices or not. (Those picks have to be approved by CONGRESS, too, so this is not just about the White House. Presidents do not have magic wands to wave that make everything all better or all worse.) When we do not participate, we FAIL. We fail our ancestors, our nation, and ourselves.
Write in a candidate if you must, but VOTE.

If I could just add...that people need to make sure they are fully informed of what each candidate stands for and what agenda they are hoping to push for if they are elected. Don't just pick someone based on their party, or name recognition, or because they are or aren't the incumbent. Know their voting records (if they have any) and know their stance on important issues that will affect you and your community. Know the facts and not just the talking points and rhetoric.

It's not enough just to say everyone should vote if they are not going to be making intelligent, informed decisions once they are in the voting booth. I'd rather people stay home than vote without knowing who their voting for or why they are voting for them.

A different tack NDY... When apartheid was over turned in African nations people flooded the polling places, some walking miles and miles just to vote. It was reported that lame voters were carried to the polls on the backs of family and friends. In the middle East we saw people risking death for the privilege to vote. Those with ink on their thumbs could face violence and death.In Russia voting against the powers that be could cost you and your family financial as well as physical penalties… and we take this greatest of responsibilities so lightly half of us wont even show up.
Well said Tes, couldn’t have said it any better. All of this party nonsense just feeds the problems. I agree with you 100%
Leo you said “I do not care if the next president is picking Supreme Court Justices or not. (Those picks have to be approved by CONGRESS,” That’s true unless we happen to have a president, House, and Senate controlled by one party. Look back and be amazed how many times in our recent past has this happened. Two justices could completely change America for ever. Please don’t take this lightly…
Consider what a blessing it is to live in a country where you have a choice. Yes you will be voting for the lesser of two evils but what a privilege it is!

Personally, my grasp of history leads me to see that it is already too late. When 50 percent of the people in a country have no stake in it; that is; they pay no taxes and only look for what is in it for them, it is all over except the sad singing and slow walking.

Bottom line: If you know how to take care of yourself, do it! And, if you have a good heart, teach someone else how to do it. NEVER NEVER NEVER expect, depend, or rely on "THE GOVERNMENT". It is too sold out to the money interests to do what government is SUPPOSED TO DO. THe preamble to the United States Constitution tells you what OUR government is SUPPOSED to do. It is not doing that any more.

And by all means, vote. Life is a program of action. You hit, or you sit.

I dont vote anymore. I don't care much for politics cause they are all liers in my book. I don't care who the next president is. Its how I feel.

Now I'm sure there are some people on here that might want to get on damaged247's case for that statement...but I actually applaud it. Because if you don't care, you shouldn't vote. I would rather see someone not exercise their right to vote (heck it is their right to abstain from voting - we don't lock people up if they don't show up at the polls) if they truly feel they cannot stand behind either side than to just arbitrarily vote for someone just because people say they should when they know nothing about where that candidate stands on any issues.

Yes wag, in many other countries voting is seen as a priviledge because for so long they did not have the right to do so, and I'm sure that if our country had been like that and then we suddenly got the right back to vote, we'd all storm the polls too because it's new and exciting and when it's the first time you get to have your say about your government, you see it as a wonderful thing. I felt that way too the first time I could vote in a Presidential election...but that one turned out to not be determined by my vote or pretty much anyone else's unless you're part of the electoral college. Stuff like that along with negative campaigns and blatant manipulative lies have made a lot of people check out from politics. Can't blame them either.

Oh and Bob, to say that 50% of people have no stake in it because they pay no taxes or receive governement subsidies is really wrong. If anything those people have a lot at stake - the programs that are keeping them alive and their heads above water right now are being threatened by one of the two parties (I'll let you guess which). And no, not everyone who is a part of any of those programs are low life degenerates who are just milking the system so they can sit on their duffs. If you haven't noticed, the economy is not fairing well and the middle class is getting smaller - not because more of them are moving up in the world, but rather because more of them are losing their jobs, their benefits, their homes...good, hard working people who would rather not have to get the hand outs because they were always told that if they put in an honest day's work they would be able to achieve the great American dream but right now that is alluding them. They're Americans too and they have a stake in this country just like anyone who is lucky enough to have the spare money to pay taxes right now. Believe me, most all of them would gladly pay taxes again if it meant they were working, making a decent living wage, had their homes, and their health care.

I know some might but that is okay. No one can force anyone to vote. I don't fully understand the whole idea with politics and what they stand for. Even if I were to look at where they stand on an issue it is hard for me to follow and understand the grasp of it. Its the way I have been my whole life. I will not argue with anyone about it and I will keep my calm about it. It is always good for someone to voice their opinion of something

I grew up in a home where interesting discussions took place. You see my mother was a very active member of the Democratic party (fund raisers etc), my father was a very strong supporter of the Republican party. I learned first hand that Republicans dont want to take away social security or starve children and Democrats dont have horns and a tail. Basically we all pretty much want the same things, we disagree on how to fund it or can we even afford it. As I have said we had interesting discussions when we had family gatherings but at the end of the night every one hugged and kissed before going home. I think we get the very best from our politicians when the vote is split and they have to sit down and compromise. Recently we have had situations where we have had both parties in complete control and "We The People" are suffering because of it. Compromise went out the window and the attitude of we are in charge now has taken over. OH YES... I became a card carrying independent.
I worry when so many people will vote that have no idea who they are voting for. Others will vote for the ones giving them things.... I have nothing against helping those that need help but some are third generation welfare... why? And when your not contributing to the tax base should you have a say in how OUR money is spent? Years ago folks would do anything to not be on the Govt dole... Now they can considerate it owed to them because the system keeps them down. I wish they could see that its education not Government that is their step up out of poverty.

It's a nice sentiment to say that education is the way out of poverty, but in this day and age, there are a lot of college grads taking low paying jobs just to have some money coming in because no one else is willing to hire them. I'm sure there are some communities out there who feel like they've got something owed to them and they're the ones giving the system such a bad rap - but I guess I'd like to believe that more people still feel shame and guilt about taking a hand out rather than feel like they deserve it.

I stil lthink this is something that could be remedied as well...if only the people in charge within the government would actually devote some resources to audit the programs, in a way like the IRS does with taxes (though I think that process probably needs an overhaul as well since it seems there are people who legitimately owe quite a bit in back taxes that it seems to take years for the IRS to catch up with). With so many on the rolls for these programs, it seems it would be wise to invest in some people to do some head counts and follow ups with to make sure that the people receiving benefits truly need them and the ones that don't get kicked off the roles. Maybe then other programs should be implemented or supported in places where they already exist that help get those that truly need the benefits now to a place in which they no longer do, by helping them obtain a living wage from a job or at least help them find a way to be a useful part of society through volunteer work or what have you as a sort of way of "earning their keep" so to speak.

You want to get people out of that cycle, you don't pull the rug out from under them, you give them the tools to help them improve their lives. When did it become a bad thing to help our fellow citizens?

I still disagree with the idea that if you don't pay taxes you shouldn't get to vote since everyone has a right to be represented in government (otherwise why revolt from England?) because when laws are created they are meant to be for everyone, not just those that pay taxes. You can't get blood from a stone so you can't expect people who barely have enough to live on to pay taxes...but that doesn't mean they no longer have the right to decide who is making up the rules and regs in this country. It's not just about having a say in how the money's spent (though, to be honest, spending it on helping people survive shouldn't be seen as being worse than pork barrel spending, but no one seems to harp about that when they talk about where the money's being spent).

Wag, I agree with you that it is best when both sides come to the middle and compromise, but it seems like there are fewer and fewer politicians willing to do that and in all truth, it seems that it's the GOP that is being less agreeable than the Dems at this point. I don't know if I believe that Republicans don't want to take away Social Security or starve children anymore. Maybe they just won't point that out in their party platforms, but don't doubt they want to chop into a lot of the programs that are helping the hard up, honest hard working folks in this country that aren't 3rd generation welfare cases.

I'm sorry to go off on a tear there but it just bothers me when there are people who seem to want to point to people who have been crippled by the bad economy and blast them for daring to ask the government for a helping hand. Not everyone who does is a horrible person who feels it is owed to them and they're still Americans who still deserve to have all their rights in tact, including the right to choose whether they want to vote.

Hmmm You see we both want the same thing... or a lot of the same things, we just differ on the hows and whys. Politicians are a dishonest bunch on both sides of the isle. I have never said it out loud but I do speak from experience when I say that almost every one knows some one abusing the system. I have seen people refuse jobs because they didnt pay enough and in one case a relative of mine quit a good paying job with benifits so he could collect Gov assistance and work two bar tending jobs under the table. I asked what will you do if some one gets sick or breaks an arm. He said oh thats all free, the state pays it. Abuse happens and no one seems to care.
I really do understand that you are compassionate, want to help those in need, and are willing to pay higher taxes to help. I want to help those in need but before raising taxesI feel we should try to eliminate fraud and waste. Its just too easy for the Government to raise taxes. Would you over spend, run your credit cards up, and then tell your boss I need more money I spent it all? Of course not but thats what politicians do every day. If you really want a dose of reality take a look at how many rich politicians owe back taxes. They place a burden on your shoulders that they them selves refuse to carry. Pres Obama was embarrassed repeatedly when he chose his cabinet, he kept finding nominees with back tax issues. The head of the Federal Rserve for gosh sake owed a couple hundred thousand. When did either of us ever see a hundred thousand? Kerry may be the richest politician of all and got caught registering his YACHT in another state to avoid some of the taxes. George Bush Senior owned two mansions but chose the one with the lowest taxes (Texas) as his main residence since Texas had no state income tax and his property taxes were lower. Folks I am sorry to say that we have reached a point where the powers that be are passing laws to exempt themselves from the very laws they pass to govern us. How many have opted out of health care? Oh yes and their friends.... We ad what? 44 million that needed insurance? Woulnt it have been FAR cheaper to just buy 44 million insurance? Maybe spend two million a piece? No, our solution is costing a trillion... and our childrens children will pay the bill.

I agree that everyone should get out and vote and it's actually 3 Supreme Court justices that might retire in the next year. That's huge. Although the Senate has to approve the nominee, that often goes on party line regardless of qualifications, and the Senate has no voice in whose name gets submitted. Mitt Romney is going to submit 3 nominees similar to Roberts or Scalia. Obama is going to submit nominees similar to Sotomayer and Kagen. They are all very likely to get confirmed. This will determine whether those 5-4 votes swing with Scalia or with Breyer. That will happen regardless of who is in the Senate. So, it's a critical issue and it's number one for me.

On Current TV the other night they had a great discussion between Al Gore and Elliott Spitzer about the electoral college. It's actually only 12 states that determine the outcome of the presidential election. If you live in Alabama or California, the outcome of the presidential election for your state is pre-determined, which doesn't provide a whole lot of incentive to vote. They recommend a change to popular vote. I think we should consider it. By the way, we should also allow the residents of Washington, DC to have a voice in the election as well as in Congress.

Regarding the comment that 50 percent of the people don't pay taxes, that's a perfect example of a talking point that is misleading. The implication is that 50 percent of Americans are supported by the other 50 percent. 50 percent are freeloaders and 50 percent are workers. That is simply not true. Most American workers start out without paying taxes. That's because they are teenagers or college students working part-time jobs. After they graduate and get jobs, they move into the 50 percent that pay taxes. When they retire, their income goes down and they move back into the category that doesn't pay taxes. Only a small number of people, such as the disabled, stay in the 50 percent that does not pay taxes throughout their lives. Oh, and this only refers to federal income taxes. The supposed non-taxpayers pay many other state and federal taxes and user fees, particularly the federal payroll tax, which pays for Medicare and Social Security. They absolutely have a stake in these programs, WHICH THEY ARE PAYING FOR.

Wag, I never said anything about raising taxes...and I did suggest that first and foremost they do need to revamp the system and need to audit it to get a lot of the people who don't deserve the help off the books - but there's one side of the political spectrum that is very against adding people to the government payroll even if it means they could save money in the long run by cleaning things up. Heck, if they had maybe a few more eyes looking over the tax rolls particularly of our richest Americans, they might catch more of them that do dodge paying as much as they should. But again, one side is vastly against that kind of regulation.

Not that I am not for taxes - for the wealthier Americans who can certainly afford to pay more but aren't because their buddies and co-horts have allowed them to get away with not having to pay as much of their fair share as the middle and lower classes do.

You say everyone knows someone bilking the system...I don't. Not unless you count my two aunts who are over the age of 65 who are collecting Social Secuirty checks based off their husbands' earnings even though they never worked a day in their lives. But that is perfectly legal and allowed per how the system currently works. I get sick and have to jump through hoops to prove I need help from the system I've paid into from working since I was 16, but they readily get it no questions asked just because they reached a certain age - and I would argue they are both finanically in better shape than I am too because their husbands are living and also collecting Social Security along with their pensions. But again, those are actually legally allowed "bilkings of the system"...and good examples of why I think they need to maybe rework the rules and regs and have more checks and balances on who gets what. I don't know anyone who has blatantly lied and cheated to get Social Security, Medicaid, Food Stamps, housing assistance, Welfare, or any other social services available though. But I do know a lot of people who need the help they are getting - I used to work with the Mental Health population and those folks are all valid cases for assistance.

Good point Donna on the Electoral College....leave it to Al Gore to bring that up too. He knows better than anyone that the Electoral College doesn't always agree with the overall population.

Oh and to build on the who doesn't pay taxes argument - even those young kids with their first jobs are paying taxes because they get taken out of their paychecks; and the retirees are paying taxes on their pensions. Heck, even if your only income is from investments, you are paying some sort of a tax as we have learned from the great debate over Mitt Romney's tax returns. The only way you pay nothing in taxes is if you have no income coming in of any kind - and unless you are a complete dependent on someone else, there is little way you'd be able to live high on the hog without paying something to the government in some way.

Regarding the comment that 50 percent of the people don't pay taxes, that's a perfect example of a talking point that is misleading. The implication is that 50 percent of Americans are supported by the other 50 percent

You say its just not so... did you do a search or two to see?

HALF of Americans don't pay income tax despite crippling government debt

• 151.7m people - 49.5% of the U.S. population - paid no federal income tax in 2009, figures show

Only half of U.S. citizens pay federal income tax, according to the latest available figures.
In 2009, just 50.5 per cent of Americans paid any income tax to the federal government - the lowest proportion in at least half a century.
And the number of people outside the tax system could have climbed even higher since as the economic downturn has continued to bite and unemployment has remained high


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2105131/HALF-Americans-dont-pay-income-tax-despite-crippling-government-debt.html#ixzz25Lw9f7dH

Ok, I just read the papers but honestly never read just one... There are Rep papers and Dem papers... small town and big city, conservative and Liberal.... I love to pick a major story, something national and then read several papers reporting the same story to see the spins...

Guys I dont know where you live but here near the border we can see and hear a lot. I have seen abuse of Social Security as well as unemployment compensation. Its as easy as crossing a border, meeting the right people here in town, and buying a NM drivers license, SS card, and other documentation. They broke up a ring selling phony IDS just a couple months ago. Our new Govenor has tried repeatedly to pass legislation to require at least a photo ID to vote and is shot down again and again. Last time she mailed letters to all the new drivers to see who was in state after a couple months... and most were gone. They come here to get a license and SS card and then head to other states. We know there is abuse... but one party seeks a political advantage so the legislation is blocked.

So lets step back and take a look, please. I am not blaming any party, neither am I backing one. I said I was an independent and I am. My first vote was Democratic, my second was Republicanand no pattern follows, I simply research the candidates and vote my conscience. I hope you do the same,, that would be fantastic. But sadly the message is lost... we revert back to party politics or business as usual when ever we feel threatened or out of our comfort zone. I am willing to discuss... but will not defend any party. Neither party has any credability... I would trust none.