You forget to mention that those barrels of rum, beer and hard cider were often used by candidates and their supporters to woo voters into voting for them. Elections could be won or lost depending on who provided the most booze. Not a good way to pick your leaders.
Yes, I agree that we have distanced ourselves from our electoral process (or it has distanced itself from us). That is why I still cherish Vermont's continued tradition of Town Meeting. It's quite similar (without the coercive aspect) to the old party atmosphere.
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