I am amazed at the low turnouts in this country. In non presidential years I do not think it is 50%, and if there is the odd way of year for some kind of local election, i.e. replacement of a congress person it is maybe 35%.

Even in a good presidential year I think the number is around 60%, which in effect means we can choose a president by 30% plus one. Less for other officials.

The failure of people to vote in primaries and other like elections can mean that somewhere around 10% can determine the nominee of a party, hence some of the crazies on the right an left appearing stronger than they actually are.

Peronally I like Australia's law that requires everone to vote.

I think that people who don't vote should be punished by being locked in a dark room while listening to "Rock and Roll Heaven" by The Righteous Brothers over and over again.

DT, one statistic to look at is the number of votes cast in the municipal elections of the city where you live. Where I live it is usually never higher than 5%. Although it is local and state law and taxes which we are more likely to encounter and violate more frequently, we neglect t exercise our influence abou those laws and taxes with a certain alacrity.

What is up with Mayor Bloomberg and this breast milk issue?

I heard that he spits it out.

He sucks.

Keep me out of this discussion, SC. Do us all this favour.

You're the one who keeps entering it.

I got that horrible pent up, angry feeling in connection with the politics issue. Thats exactly why I prefer to keep out of it. I've also learned to not speak politics with Americans, with their Democrats vs Republicans social battle raging.

You guys hang onto politics like its a religion.

So why are you asking me to keep you out of this discussion?

Control yourself.

Actually, you've been the one doing that. Could I request a total ban?

Sure you can request it.

*REQUEST DENIED*

Anyway, let's please stop littering this decent discussion thread. Please take this off the board.

Everybody knowS that Obama inherited a disaster held on a thread from the Bush administration, but he really did nothing to improve the situation in 3 plus years and probably wont in the next 4 plus years because say what you want he is gona win again.

What does ^^^^^ have to do w/religion and ethics?

SC & PB I liked your bloomberg comments

sorry i lost myself again lol

Exactly.