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Post by Dabbit on Aug 15, 2006 2:04:40 GMT -5
We all have rights - that no one can deny, a right to live in safety, a right to education, a right to health care etc. But when the laws in place to protect our rights are abused it makes me wonder what the point of them is.
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Post by Mark on Aug 15, 2006 12:01:03 GMT -5
I think the fault lies in the lack of proper law enforcement, and correcting that means leaning on the powers-that-be that depend on the electorate to stay in office, don't you think?
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Post by Fluffy on Aug 16, 2006 13:18:13 GMT -5
the trouble is so many people are apathetic when it comes to voting, otherwise changes might happen sooner rather than later
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Post by Alex on Aug 16, 2006 13:40:46 GMT -5
Trouble comes fast. Change comes slow. Sad but true.
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Post by Mark on Aug 17, 2006 10:51:57 GMT -5
The majority of the electorate just seem pathetically apathetic in that they do not understand that not only are there consequences to actions, but there are consequences for inactions as well.
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Post by Maria on Aug 17, 2006 13:27:42 GMT -5
I have always been a person who has been an activist--just ask my children. I remember the first time I voted--thrilling (perhaps that comes from being a first generation American). My children remember me taking them into the voting booth when they were toddlers. I know as a single person I can't make a great difference, but working with a group can. I think that many people feel disconnected because they don't really know the issues (who does) and feel they have no power. Well if one just looked at our past Presidential election, one knows (at least American's do) what a big difference few votes can mean.
I like the phrase, "When you don't vote you get lemons". Join a group that is dear to your heart and work with it to see if the changes you want are made. There are so many great and good political lobby groups that one can work and support.
Better step down off the band wagon.
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Post by sandy on Aug 18, 2006 10:17:31 GMT -5
I always say if you don't vote you can't dog. And have said it to people's faces. I remember the first time I voted. I was so excited. I registered several months before I turned 21 just so I would be eligible to vote that fall. I insisted that my husband and I vote together. We always said we canceled each other out. He was republican to my Democrat. And we never told each other who we voted for. Our daughters were told to register as soon as if not before they turned 18. And if they don't vote, they get told about it. Voting is a right that many people abuse by not using it. They are too wrapped up in their everyday lives to take the few minutes to vote and one day they wake up and find out the government doesn't work for them anymore and are surprised. The fools.
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Post by Mark on Aug 18, 2006 10:41:29 GMT -5
We've always been Republicans in the mainstream, but I don't pull a straight ticket lever - I vote for a person, not a party.
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Post by Maria on Aug 18, 2006 12:20:57 GMT -5
I have never missed an election. I am in independent voter--not belonging to either party. Although I have actively worked on campaigns of both Rep. And Dem's. I am for the person who has the most integrity, honor and will do the best job. As both parties have some pretty bad characters, as well as the good guys, I could never pull a party level.
Great for you Sandy. Our kids are so influenced by what we not only teach them but by our actions too. I agree with your statement.
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Post by sandy on Aug 19, 2006 10:10:01 GMT -5
I registered Democrat to agitate my mom. It sure did. I don't and have never voted party. For a few years I was the Democratic Committeperson for our township and was really incensed at the people who walked in and voted straight party. ARGHHHHHHHH. My husband and I always insisted that when you vote you cast your vote for each individual seat not for the party. Since I got censored in my opening line of my other post, I will use the word they substituted in place of my word. My girls both have the right to talk like a female dog. I am going to start talking to my 15 year old grandson and getting him interested in voting. Wish me luck. Two of my granchildren go into the booth with me to vote and are very interested in the process. Two down , two to go.
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Post by Maria on Aug 19, 2006 11:01:44 GMT -5
I have been asked to run for office a couple of times and always said NO! I have been on both state and city boards of the League of Women Voters. A great organization to really research/study issues and then give opinions. One of my favorite things to do is going into schools and introduce voting to kids. When I am education the kids about the importance of voting, I also am teaching them to really look at records--not the political ads that really say nothing--of a candidate. Learn who the person really is. That same goes for issues. Lots of times the ads are so deceptive.
Right now we have an issue coming up that is very hot. I am actually, in part, for the issue but it means changing our state constitution and I am not for that.
Freedom really is a privilege.
Again Sandy, luck with your grandkids. Never to early to start getting them involved.
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 21, 2006 4:33:39 GMT -5
I agree with you sandy that if you don't vote you can't moan about what you do get or don't get etc. I can never understand why people don't vote these days - I mean its not like its rocket science is it?
I vote at every opportunity that I possibly can (failing ill health or abscene) and feel I have some right to moan about the ridiculous governmental ways of life
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Post by Maria on Aug 21, 2006 10:18:44 GMT -5
Sunday my son his family and daughter stopped by the house. While we were outside, a politician came by to push his agenda. After he left, my son asked me if I was going to take my little 16 month old grandchild into the voting booth with me and get him into the swing of voting? I had to laugh. He said he remembers how I always stressed the importance of voting made them go with me when I voted. Just had to pass this on. Made me smile.
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Post by Mark on Aug 21, 2006 14:15:59 GMT -5
Hmmm....now I know what they meant by the old slogan, "Vote early and often".
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Post by sandy on Aug 21, 2006 15:18:43 GMT -5
Darn right. The way to start a habit is to start it young.
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Post by Dabbit on Sept 2, 2006 7:53:29 GMT -5
I recall at the last election a baby of only months old was issued with a ballot paper, and another was invited to apply for a loan!
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Post by Maria on Sept 2, 2006 9:18:23 GMT -5
We have mess-ups like that occurring here too. Doesn't it make you angry and laugh at the same time? It does me.
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Post by Fluffy on Sept 2, 2006 9:25:36 GMT -5
My husband used to, and I always have, made a point of voting. Neither of my sons bother though. I can understand that it isn't always easy for one of them, being in the army, but the other one is just plain disinterested. I live in hope though!
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Post by Mark on Sept 2, 2006 13:08:29 GMT -5
Some people haven't yet come to the realization that voting is a privilege as well as the obligation of a good citizen. If one doesn't vote, one shouldn't be allowed to complain about the government, IMHO.
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Post by Maria on Sept 2, 2006 16:02:36 GMT -5
You are so right Mark. Yet so many of the people that don't vote are the same ones that whine the loudest.
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