Dear America

[WilliamPitt]

Dear America,

More than 84% of the Scots showed up to vote yesterday.

Maybe 40% of you will show up in November to determine your own fate.

That means about 60% of you are stupid.

Simple math right there.

Sincerely,

Me

[Romulox]

1. We aren't allowed a say in the big stuff. That's always been the difference

between a Parliamentary system and our (broken) two party duopoly.

[treestar]

2. We'd have more of a say if we showed up

[Romulox]

4. Nonsense. For the big stuff (war, bank bailouts, NSA spying, etc.) they just TELL us

what they're going to do. They don't ask.

[treestar]

5. Laws are made by elected officials

Once elected, I suppose they can vote as they please, but most of them are thinking of re-election. And therefore, of the voters who show up.

[Romulox]

7. And elected officials are bought and sold, often with money "kicked back" from the very programs

they fund through their votes. We have one of the most corrupt and least responsive political systems in the developed world.

Is this new information to you?

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

29. you are right but you know what?

we do a terrible job at holding our electeds accountable. There just isn't a large enough number of us getting in their faces to convince them the populace wants to be taken seriously.
We've gotta watch "American Idol" or "Real Housewives' or some such thing............

[mahina]

42. So what?

Stay home and be right?

[treestar]

48. No they don't buy the elections

the voters vote for them. If you want to discuss money's effect on the voters, that's an issue. But the voters don't have to vote for whoever spent the most money. They could choose to pay attention to who is running for lower offices and who is financing the campaigns. After the election they could follow what the elected officials do. But no, they vote only for POTUS and pretend the POTUS "runs the country" and think about other things.

Self government is what you make of it.

[Plucketeer]

23. The ones who show up are numbed

by months of ads - ads paid for by special interests. Our local congress-dolt runs unopposed because of the money - corporate money - that's there for him every two years. He holds no town hall meetings - he doesn't have to. Figure how much he listens to my urgings on issues state and federal. Some years ago, his office asked me if I really wanted answers to some of the notes and E-mails I'd send. I opted out. I still send the idjit missives, but since I know what he's going to say, there's no sense him wasting postage and paper.
I'll still vote - if for no other reason than principle. I'll write in Stephen Colbert or some such. I thought about running for his seat a decade ago. Thing is, I did a dumb thing 35 years ago and you can bet the whole district/state would know about it within days of announcing my candidacy.

[Maven]

47. And the party machines, for the most part, ensure that the "choices" we have to make

are between two candidates who represent their respective sponsors

[bulloney]

15. Then you vote out the idiots who tell us what they're going to do and don't listen to the voters.

I get so pissed hearing about how Congress - especially Republicans in Congress - have a lower approval rating than the ebola virus. Yet, around 95% of incumbents win re-election.

It's like the voters are saying that their congressman is an asshole, but he's OUR asshole. Or, everyone else has an asshole representing them in Congress except them.

I think it's also a sign of how the obscene amounts of money spent on political campaigns, coupled with gerrymandering, have affected elections in many parts of the country.

[Romulox]

17. My Representative has had the job since 1955. Before him, his dad held the seat.

His wife is favored to replace him.

[bulloney]

19. Pretty similar to my district.

The father of our current rep, Bob Latta, held the seat for 30 years and he had it all planned to have Bob step in and hold the seat for another 30. But in 1988, Paul Gillmor stepped in and won the primary over Bob by the slimmest of margins. Then Gillmor died a few years ago, Bob Latta won the seat and has never had much competition since.

[navarth]

65. Dingell? nt

[Jester Messiah]

20. What really sucks is that you can't vote out the string-pullers who buy the idiots.

You vote out your idiot, and then they buy the incoming idiot.

[SammyWinstonJack]

26. That's it, exactly!

[hfojvt]

35. that is the trouble with the question though

Just because somebody disapproves of Congress does not mean they disapprove of their Congressperson - at least not a majority of the district. Say 70% in my district diapprove of Congress or even 80%. Well 40% of them might be Democrats angry at the Republican House and 40% Republicans angry at the Democratic Senate. In the end, the incumbent Republican wins 55-45 anyway.

[treestar]

49. Yes, it would be better to do 435 polls

on each district's approval of their own congressperson. Might be interesting.

[840high]

36. Most people are stuck on voting D - each

time they expect different results and don't get them.

[Thinkingabout]

55. Oh please, do you see any better with Republicans, no they have been the hold up by plan for a few

Years. People vote for those with a R behind their name even if the ones they elect is always against their best interest.

[840high]

69. Why not vote for the

person that comes closest to your beliefs?

[ReRe]

16. You forgot TPP n/t

[LanternWaste]

32. It is indeed, collectively much easier and much more convenient to blame "them"

It is indeed, much easier collectively and much more convenient individually to blame "them" than it is to hold ourselves and our elected officials accountable... which certainly can be far too exhausting for many people.

[BuelahWitch]

45. So what do we do then?

How do we fight the big money machine that keeps putting the same idiots into office? I'm going to vote to try and oust old Brownback, but due to gerrymandering my rep will likely remain Tea Party darling Lynn Jenkins. It's very difficult to care when the deck is stacked against you.

[Orsino]

46. Ideally, yes.

In practice, we have learned how helpless we are to change anything of substance, and how committed our leaders are to preventing our casting ballots.

I am very much afraid that we can't come back from the current state of affairs. What is left of our republic may not be flexible enough to heal the rest.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. Turnout for the last Scottish parliament election in 2011 was around 40%.

It was around 60% for the general election in 2010. The referendum turnout was exceptional (although one hopes the Scots remain politically-engaged enough to turn out in similar numbers next May to do their part in sending the Tories into opposition).

[hlthe2b]

6. While I haven't decided whether I should be disappointed or relieved at the results of Scottish vote

the one thing I am sure of is my tremendous dismay at what their turn out and display of true democracy says about US in comparison. Yet, has anyone heard or seen any hint from ANYONE that there was a question about the validity of the Scottish process? Can anyone say the same about our own elections?

I just posted about a long "official" form received to validate my voting address and registration, which nominally has the support of the SOS, since the information was clearly provided from his (lying, SOB, REPUG) office. After calling my county voter registrar, they confirmed that this is NOT an officially sanctioned form, but rather one sent by a 501C to "look like" an official validation form. The registrar stopped short of saying the form would be used to try and disenfranchise voters (though this is exactly what I told her I thought it was), but did say state registrars had voiced official complaints and I should discard the form. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10411130

Now I am a very determined voter... At the same time we are manipulated by Koch Brothers and other multi-billionaire targeted propaganda designed to determine these elections. But for those who are less engaged, the constant attack on those trying to vote and the constant attempt to place more and more obstacles in their way might well eventually drive them away. Does anyone really have the same faith in the "sanctity" of our vote?

[freedom fighter jh]

10. Yes, I have heard doubt about the validity of the election,

right on DU this morning:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017216086

I have no idea what to make of it. If there's something to it, maybe we'll be hearing more.

Hand-marked paper ballots ensure that there are no rigged machines -- but if enough people choose to cheat, there is no system that can stop them.

[hlthe2b]

12. Silly. With a turnout that high, it would take an astronomical amount of "cheaters" to sway

[Triana]

8. If 84% of America showed up to vote, things would change FAST.

We're shameful. Can't even be bothered to vote yet love to complain.

[F4lconF16]

54. I wish that were true

But half our country is still republicans. If every person voted, the main thing we would gain is awareness. Problem is, that awareness would for the most part come from the MSM. So while I think things would change for the better if people voted more often, I think it will take a lot longer than you think to change the system, simply because of the number of people who will vote the way they're told to. (And you can bet they won't be told to vote for progressives).

Unless of course we can run a truly progressive candidate, get him or her into office with a supportive congress, and then start enacting real change. The key will be running that liberal candidate for the first time. Maybe we have a chance this year.

[Boom Sound 416]

9. So 16% of scots are stupid?

[treestar]

51. Could be, because to not care enough to vote on a question like that

would have to take a special kind of indifference.

[Boom Sound 416]

52. Indifference = stupidity?

[treestar]

57. no, but then it seems like something that might actually affect people's lives

I don't know, seems to be a big difference between living in a small nation or being part of a bigger one and that you'd actually have an opinion on which way you thought it would be if they separated. And that the separation might have an effect on your life.

[Boom Sound 416]

58. Life happens.

You and Mr. Pitt seem to be forgetting that.
Sickness, emergencies, child care, strict employment, catastrophe and frankly disillusionment are all factors at play here.

[strawberries]

11. I am surprised

that 40% actually vote! I thought it was a much lower %. I do vote, but can understand why others don't vote. To them it doesn't matter nothing will change.

Let's take the wars for example, I really thought Obama would bring some form of peace and exit the Bush's war. Obama did try, but it seemed to create a knew kind of conflict because now we have to deal with ISIS.

[99Forever]

13. I agree. 100%.

I seriously don't understand how someone who has the RIGHT to vote, not using it. Even if they are voting for a "lost cause."

[CentralMass]

14. We have two choices, diet or regular.

[840high]

38. Most think they have one choice - vote

for the lesser of two evils. Sad.

[ReRe]

18. Well, you must admit...

... maybe they're not disenfranchised all over the place like our voters are. Not enough voting machines in precincts where voter registration is high; no back-up voting machines if one or more breaks down; changing voting precincts on voters without telling them; provisional ballots taken and not counted; lines a mile long, literally, in the rain; machines that change your vote before your very eyes; and on and on and on. I think it's probably a wonder we have even 40% show up and end up having their votes actually counted. Of course, nothing EVER stops me and my crew (family) from voting. We vote as a "block," and all Democrats too.
We go out and eat and discuss politics afterwards.

[geardaddy]

21. Yep.

[world wide wally]

22. I think it's Australia where voting is MANDATORY.

We should at least give a nice tax incentive here. Or maybe a day.off work with pay. It is a travesty when 15% of eligible voters determine our representation.

[treestar]

50. the election is held on Saturday too

Not that no one works that day, but it's helpful for most of the population.

[Dawgs]

24. 54 recs for this?

This place is nuts.

[WilliamPitt]

27. Yeah, cuz voting sucks.

I see you.

[Dawgs]

31. Voting's not the issue.

It's that other thing that I have a problem with.

[RadiationTherapy]

56. The communication style of the OP seems unlikely to reach its intended target.

All in all it was just a brick in the wall.

[Buddaman]

25. I like to thinks that more

and more people are fed up. What's going is Kansas is pretty interesting.

[mountain grammy]

28. Oh yes, I was thinking the same thing..

But since the beginning, America has had an exclusionary government, starting with only white, male landowners being allowed to participate. It's in our DNA to restrict voting. Thankfully, we've had leaders who have led the way for more inclusive elections, but the damage was done a long time ago. While we might label 60% of Americans as stupid for not participating, my crazy, religious right wing in laws ALWAYS vote, so by that definition, they are not stupid. Well, I think they're stupid because they are racists, but racists vote.

We've all been working for years to increase participation in our system and educate voters to not vote against themselves. I'm getting to the end of my life, and am still amazed at the "they're all the same so I don't care" attitude. I have succeeded in getting many of my friends to finally register to vote and, in my lifetime, have probably registered several hundred more. Personally, I think every citizen should be automatically registered to vote at birth or naturalization.

[Glassunion]

30. So the 60%(stupid people), can blame us 40%(dumb asses) for our current state of affairs?

Is that what you're saying?

You're right the math is simple.

[yuiyoshida]

33. Dear Mr. Pitt...

I hope the stupid ones ARE Republicans!

[1dogleft]

73. let me help

if only 40% vote(less actually) about half (+ or -) vote republican so actually 80% are stupid

[valerief]

34. If 60 + 40 = 100 and 52 + 58 = 100, what happens to the extra 10? Or is one missing a 10?

from http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025556298

As Barbie once told us, "Math class is tough."

[steve2470]

37. everyone should inform themselves and vote, however...

when you're a rich white Republican male, usually Congress and the President make policies favorable to you.

When you're a poor, minority Democratic female (to give the other side of the spectrum), the policies are many times not favorable to you.

Many people hate politics, for understandable reasons. Many don't have the time or energy to pursue a thorough understanding. Many don't have the time and/or the money to donate to causes and candidates.

My point is, I can understand why so many don't vote. It won't matter anyway, in their mind. Should everyone get informed and vote ? Yes, of course.

I say all this as a yellow-dog Democrat, who has voted for Democratic candidates 100% of the time since 1976, and who voted and donated twice to President Obama. I think it's undeniable that the system is rigged against the poor, even the middle class many times, and minorities.

YMMV.

[Enthusiast]

39. Kicked and recommended!

WilliamPitt, you nailed it.

[tclambert]

40. I approve of stupid people not voting.

I heard that in Australia they fine people who don't vote. I thought it sounded great, until an Australian guy I knew told me, "What it means in reality is that to avoid the fine, people will go straight from the pub to vote, people who are actually drunk, don't know anything about the issues, don't care, and will vote for whoever's name sounds most like a brand of beer."

Personally, I think too many stupid people have been voting. It's the only explanation for Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Steve King, James Inhofe, and let's say Republicans in general.

[GusBob]

41. i tend to agree with you on this

Although earlier this week there was a DU post (which was quickly and wisely self deleted) that claimed that Democrats are too stupid to vote for the right Dem. candidate ( not naming names).

[Boom Sound 416]

59. I vote yes on this

Stay informed
Or
Stay home

[polichick]

43. So many Americans are willfully ignorant - pathetic!

[pampango]

44. FDR: Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate

rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.

The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/franklin_d_roosevelt.html

[jambo101]

53. Have mid term elections

Ever been a major draw ?

[Boom Sound 416]

60. I bet 82 and 94 were big

[jtuck004]

61. "That means about 60% of you are stupid. " < Or, that 100% of the choices stink like freshly

putrefied roadkill in their estimation, among other possibilities.

An inability to see that would also be a great flaw in one's ability to think, btw

[Nye Bevan]

62. 50% of Scots voted in the most recent election for the Scottish Parliament.

So were 50% of Scots stupid then, but only 16% of Scots are stupid now?

I have a feeling that if Massachusetts, for example, was having a referendum on whether or not to secede from the United States, and if they had been assured that secession would happen in the event of a "yes" majority, the turnout would be a lot more impressive than for the congressional midterms.

[Zorra]

63. Not voting when eligible is a good indication that someone is afflicted with teh stupid.

[Duval]

64. Vote and take your

neighbor with you!

[kath]

66. well, for starters, it would help if we had free and fair and transparent elections.

End Black Box Voting NOW. mandatory hand count of a percentage of precincts. no proprietary tabulating software, even of the optical-mark ballots.

Our elections are a joke. Jimmy Carter said that they don't even meet the Carter Center's basic criteria for them to go in and monitor an election.

[marym625]

67. EXACTLY!

[Kablooie]

68. When the South votes to secede we'll probably get the same number.

[Mr.Bill]

70. The only way to get 84% of Americans to do

anything would be to do it on Facebook.

[indepat]

71. In addition to those 60% who are stupid, add +/- 50% of those who vote as stupid too. This

alarming stupidity is rampant and results in right-wing dominated governance, tax policy, and public policy which fuck over most of the 99%. Only in America.

[rhett o rick]

72. I disagree with you. Have you spoken to those that don't vote? If so, do you think they are stupid?

Many are totally consumed with getting a job or their next meal. Many are worried about finding care for their aging parents. And most will tell you what the Princeton study tried to tell you, that it doesn't matter how you vote, you have no effect on the workings of the government.
Even if you were to force those that normally don't vote, to vote, most likely they won't meet the standards that many states are asking. And even if they do vote, how do they know that their vote isn't changed by the voting machines?

Voting does not mean you are free.

Having said that, I know we have nothing else and I will actively support GOTV again.