Question of the day 11/6/12

[nurktwin 2,143]

Do you think that the way the political system works today is driving people away from voting? Are the TV ads, newspaper write-ups and countless phone calls to your house to vote are pissing people off and driving them away from voting?

[Amber 70]

I do get very sick of the constant barrage of commercials and phone calls! I find if I vote early, I get fewer phone calls....Don't know how they know...but they do.

I think it is the feeling that the politicians in office have no impact on the course of people's lives...people feel disconnected with the whole process and do not believe anyone in Washington cares about them. Because of this feeling, people do not vote or participate at all, allowing the corrupt to take away aspects of our lives that made America a great place to live and work. I am very concerned as I see pensions, and other benefits taken away from people, while no one speaks up for the workers. Our children will not have a chance to retire and enjoy their "golden" years as our parents were able to do. It is doubtful many of my age group will either, although we have paid into the system for 40 years. I see our government taking on debt our children will have to repay, just to keep large corporations from failing, while they reward CEOs with huge bonuses, and I know the people have given up on those that govern us...and that is why (in my opinion) they do not bother to vote.

My husband and I were discussing this the other day. We expressed that the way our state jobs have began deleting benefits and are trying to get out of paying retirement to those of us not yet retired, even though we have been loyal employees and paid into the system for all these years, has started to make us feel like giving up, striving for less, expecting nothing for the future. Once we would work as many hours as we could, try to earn as much as possible, worked hard for promotions, wanted nice things while also saving for the future. Now we really want very little but to be free of the job where you are no longer appreciated or respected. Sorry to rant on.....but you really touched a nerve here. This economy is taking a toll on so many!

[nurktwin 2,143]

^ Rant on, We have a right to rant on, we paid into the system and deserve to get it back in our golden years, if there is such a thing anymore! People bitch about unions and think they should be abolished, but without them, I'd be in the same position as our kids. Less wages to survive, no hospitalization and no defined pensions. How can you pay for all that plus a house, car, food, kids and life on 1/4 of the wages? Things are getting worse and will continue until the real people of this country stand up and fight, even if it means a civil war between the rich and the poor. I'm fed up and you may have noticed over the years that I speak my mind and fight for what's right. I fought the federal government last year and won, they don't call me anymore!!

[SingsInFrench 262]

I don't know about other people, but the ads and phone calls don't deter me from voting. If anything, the ads bashing my chosen candidates spur me on! We have problems with our system, especially the big money corporations and lobbyists who try to buy elections. We need some kind of campaign finance reform. I know my Senator, Russ Feingold, with John McCain tried to change this, but the right-wing side of the Supreme Court knocked it down. We need to try again and not give up until we improve the system and make it more fair, and less wasteful.

^ I agree with you, Nurk, on the importance of unions. The unions allowed this country to have a middle class, not just rich and poor. Now our middle class is shrinking. Our Republican Governor did his best to take away the power and rights of public workers' unions. The appeals court said it was not constitutional. Now it will go to the state supreme court. Another problem that needs to be fixed. *Sigh*

[nurktwin 2,143]

^ Yeah Susan, things just get worse everyday. But, if we stick together and follow the laws, we have the law on our side. Millionaires think they changed the laws by being rich and do what they want. The truth is that the laws have been in place for 200 years and the rich have never changed them, they just think they did and scare people into courts with their money! Never back down, fight for what you believe in.

[agirl 0]

Yes! I know I am always happy when elections are over and dread the next one in 2 years. You can't believe any of the ads and when the polls close I'm a happy camper.

[Rick 156]

I think people still vote, despite all of the ads and calls.