It seems as though all is going according to plan

[MadHound]

It has been noted for several years now by political scientists, historians and others that the best and easiest for the elite to get their way and run this country in the manner they see fit is to do everything they can to suppress voter turnout.

In '08 we had a massive turnout, people who had never voted before came out, people who hadn't voted in years, decades came out, most of them to vote for Obama.

This is threatening to the elites, a new, large group of people, young and old, out participating in their government, being active, voting, engaged. Can't have that.

But that's OK, now that the reality of Obama has set in, a lot of these voters are becoming disgusted again. Obama isn't turning out to be like he seemed in the campaign, not fulfilling promises he made. A sure fire way for damping down the enthusiasm. We see it here, I'm seeing it in real life.

So before you disgusted, depressed voters give up, let me tell you this: The single best way for our democracy to function in a manner that is beneficial to we the people is for you to participate. I recognize that Obama was a disappointment, but do not let that discourage you from participating in our democracy. There are other people, other parties, other options out there for you to consider. There are mid-terms and primaries. But whatever you do, participate, vote be a part of the process of running this country. Otherwise, all you're doing is allowing the elite and well off to win.

[old mark]

1. Rec. Just wanted to support you before the nasties come here....nt

[WCGreen]

2. I see your point....

But political activism is a long term process...

If one disappointment drive a person away from politics, then the players who are there every day, every month and every year will always win...

That is what they count on...

[Romulox]

3. Um, I've voted all my life. Still lead to *this*. Unrec. nt

[tavalon]

5. The Impossible Will Take a Little While by Paul Loeb

Who finally joined us here about two years ago. If you can, read it. It saved my sanity after the 2004 debacle. I just realized that I'm so angry right now, I probably need to take my own advice.

[Romulox]

6. But false dichotomies are ready now. nt

[rudy23]

4. I say, vote in '10 just to spite the power structure.

I don't even think the Dems want us to show up.

[fascisthunter]

7. Oh I'll Vote

just not for him... I am never going to give up.

[glitch]

8. If people are really considering not voting they need to vote third party.

You may not win but your voice will be registered.

[MadHound]

9. That's exactly what I'm saying

Don't let the bastards win by simply not voting. Make your voice heard.

[glitch]

11. And there's another reason

If you believe elections are rigged, as I do, it is important to vote if only to make them steal it. If we make them steal it they can be caught and brought to justice, in theory anyway.
If we sit it out they don't even have to bother stealing the elections. So in addition to giving them all our money and resources, we are giving them all the power they need to keep doing it impunity.
Even if we think loss appears certain it is better to fight anyway, we could be wrong.

[bbgrunt]

10. If things are turning out just as they planned, then they must

have planned Obama. Voter depression is just a side benefit.

[Last Stand]

12. Am I the only one who thinks the voting machines are the biggest factor?

What does voter turnout matter when the machines are inherently corruptable? It's the elephant in the room and none of the pols are discussing it. NONE. Doesn't anyone find that odd?

[EFerrari]

15. Some of us have been finding it "odd" for years now. nt

[The2ndWheel]

13. If we vote, we get what you described

If we don't vote, we still get what you described.

So by default, we exist in the socio-economic system of the elite and well off. Our participation in their system makes little difference, as their system will be there either way.

"This is threatening to the elites, a new, large group of people, young and old, out participating in their government, being active, voting, engaged."

How is that threatening to the elites? By even more people participating in 08, we gave an even larger validation to their system, and apparently they don't even need our validation in the first place for their system to function.

[EFerrari]

16. Precisely. n/t

[freddie mertz]

14. I may not vote for Obama again, but I ALWAYS vote. nt.