dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Very true. A primary reason Trump focuses so much on the trumped up charges of efforts to steal the elections from him, imho, is to distract from the fact that he won in 2016 & 2024 primarily because his challengers were unable to generate sufficient voter turnout -- particularly in key swing states -- than the already pitiful poor voting turnout seen in all elections. Hillary unfortunately carried too much baggage with the Clinton name and some of her actions as Secretary of State, and the Democrats doomed Harris -- whatever her qualifications -- with a hugely flawed nomination process.
But it is not just that election; turnout is embarrassingly low in all elections. We should be working on improving voter turnout as we did, providing alternatives to voting in person, during the COVID pandemic rather than returning to gerrymandering tactics and Jim Crow style restrictions. What will be proposed next: a return to poll taxes so only wealthy property owners have a say?
But it is not just that election; turnout is embarrassingly low in all elections. We should be working on improving voter turnout as we did, providing alternatives to voting in person, during the COVID pandemic rather than returning to gerrymandering tactics and Jim Crow style restrictions. What will be proposed next: a return to poll taxes so only wealthy property owners have a say?
Diotrephes · 70-79, M
@dancingtongue
It's very easy to improve voter turnout by simply revising the election process.
To start with the people in the towns and cities elect the mayors. The mayors elect their county's sheriff and the county supervisors. The county supervisors elect the State legislators and the local judges. The State legislators elect the Congress Critters and the Govenors. The Govenors elect the President. Problem solved.
But it is not just that election; turnout is embarrassingly low in all elections. We should be working on improving voter turnout as we did, providing alternatives to voting in person, during the COVID pandemic rather than returning to gerrymandering tactics and Jim Crow style restrictions. What will be proposed next: a return to poll taxes so only wealthy property owners have a say?
It's very easy to improve voter turnout by simply revising the election process.
To start with the people in the towns and cities elect the mayors. The mayors elect their county's sheriff and the county supervisors. The county supervisors elect the State legislators and the local judges. The State legislators elect the Congress Critters and the Govenors. The Govenors elect the President. Problem solved.
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
@Diotrephes I'm old enough to remember when state legislatures chose U.S. Senators. Bigger problem with concentrating power amongst the powerbrokers.
The solutions are far more difficult, imho:
1. The Citizens United decision, and the more recent one by SCOTUS, viewing corporations and PACs as individuals, gives the rich too much influence and largely under anonymity. It needs to be changed, which probably will require a Constitutional Convention for those on the take at the top of the current Federal government structure will not change it.
2. The two party system has to go. Parties are probably a "necessary evil" as Thomas Jefferson called them, to created a big enough "bully pulpit" as Teddy Roosevelt said. But they wield far too much power over the electoral process and ballot access currently, making it nearly impossible for third and fourth parties to be heard or gain access.
3. We need to return to teaching kids -- even the science majors and those intent on more vocational training -- about American History, how the government works, and civic responsibility including voting. Again, I am old enough to remember when it was a basic requirement at every educational level from elementary school through university, and for all, not just the liberal arts students.
The solutions are far more difficult, imho:
1. The Citizens United decision, and the more recent one by SCOTUS, viewing corporations and PACs as individuals, gives the rich too much influence and largely under anonymity. It needs to be changed, which probably will require a Constitutional Convention for those on the take at the top of the current Federal government structure will not change it.
2. The two party system has to go. Parties are probably a "necessary evil" as Thomas Jefferson called them, to created a big enough "bully pulpit" as Teddy Roosevelt said. But they wield far too much power over the electoral process and ballot access currently, making it nearly impossible for third and fourth parties to be heard or gain access.
3. We need to return to teaching kids -- even the science majors and those intent on more vocational training -- about American History, how the government works, and civic responsibility including voting. Again, I am old enough to remember when it was a basic requirement at every educational level from elementary school through university, and for all, not just the liberal arts students.
Jonjdw · 51-55, M
@Ontheroad democrats need a strong candidate. A lot of top Democrats, who donate big amounts of money to the Democratic Party say if they don’t get a better candidate, they are not supporting the Democratic Party.
I know that’s what they say, but. Biden could barely talk or do anything. And Harris was not ready to be president. Not totally her fault.
I know that’s what they say, but. Biden could barely talk or do anything. And Harris was not ready to be president. Not totally her fault.
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
(Watch the movie Idiocracy)
Ontheroad · M
100% - we did this to ourselves.