This is why most of the country is apathetic when it comes to politics

[Rude Horner]

Speaking as someone who only in the past few years became interested in politics, I have to say that this last cave-in by the Democrats is completely disheartening.

When the Repubs were in complete control of Congress, I was apalled and disgusted at their behavior. When the Dems took over, I was so optimistic. I believed in the system again. I felt like "Wow, the people spoke, wanted a change, and this is how politics is supposed to work."

And now this.

If anybody wants answers as to why most of America stays home on election day, this is it. If anybody wants to know why most Americans feel like no matter who they vote for, nothing changes, this is why. If anybody wonders why people basically just say "fuck it", when it comes to politics, this is the reason.

I'm disgusted.

[WCGreen]

1. I don't think that is the reason...

That is the excuse...

I believe people stay home because they are basically content with their own lives and see little in the political process that effects them one way or another...

[genie_weenie]

6. I think your idea is correct

The plutocratic ruling caste uses the government to steal trillions of dollars, but is smart enough to allow some scraps make it down to the lesser americans, thereby ensuring the majority of americans will defend the system, despite it's evil and corruptness.

[Johonny]

17. I disagree

I don't think most Americans will defend the system. I feel a majority of Americans ignore politics totally and then complain that the political system is working for them. I know not a single Dem or Rethug that likes the political system but I know many, many people that never vote.

[MistressOverdone]

13. Yes, but

the OP has a point, and really your point just feeds into it. Politics appears to be like playing poker. Predictable, but unpredictable. And in the long-run, 50/50.

Nothing changes; why bother? I understand the apathy. "they are all the same."

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. It's actually a bit more complex than that - I've also politically woken up

since the election theft of 00. I can't say I fully have an appreciation for all of the BS that goes on - decorum, false deference to each other, all of this sir madam, etc when these people likely can't stand each other. Speaking to empty chambers on CSPAN. Appearing to sell the farm to the biggest babboon we've ever had running the country. I find myself caught between apathy, desperation, enthusiasm, disappointment - frequently changing minute by minute. Those of us who get involved, who blog, who read here and elsewhere underestimate how much more plugged in we are than most Americans (many of whom are anesthetized by TV, too comfortable, etc). I am finding that patience is important, that things change at glacial speed in government, that you and I are more likely to be locked up for not paying a parking ticket than the president of the US for lying our way into an illegal war and murdering thousands and thousands.

Bizarro world, indeed! But I'd rather be awake in it than asleep.

[Louis Cipher]

3. American Idle

[SammyWinstonJack]

14. HA!

:evilgrin:

[BobRossi]

4. I have voted in every major election since I can remember...

I am going to say "fuck it" in 2008.
I will not enable these traitors again.

[uppityperson]

8. Good, glad you will use your vote for making postive changes.

[BobRossi]

10. It really worked in 2006 eh.

Are you happy with what you got for your vote?

[uppityperson]

11. Better than not voting at all.

Voting is a civic duty. I seldom get who or what I vote for, but sometimes. Once I didn't vote in a non-presidental election yr. Local school bond failed by 13 votes. There is always something to vote for. No, I don't believe in voting straight party anything, though I have, and no, I am never totally pleased. I am glad that GOP isn't majority anymore. Now, to keep working on making the Democratic party represent me better.

[HamdenRice]

5. "Politics is Hollywood for ugly people"

One, but not the only, reason: they're not glamorous and the issues actually require reading and thought.

[BuyingThyme]

7. Pelosi couldn't create gridlock if she tried.

But it would be a vast improvement.

[Az]

9. Its a combination of things

Information overload. How many 24 hour news channels do we have? And even with that the networks try to cram more and more "news" down our throats as well.

Emotionalism is another major factor. The media is a business. Its in the business of selling soap (and other stuff through commercials). It needs people to tune in and watch. Simply reading what happened doesn't sell enough soap by far. Pure information is boring. So they turn to psychology and marketing. What gets people's attention. What makes them watch. That is what they cover. That is what leads. Thus in a society inundated with "news" shows we actually have very little information and a ton of sensationalism. All designed to keep us glued to the tube to find out what happens next.

It is this sense of what happens next that also leads to inaction. Due to how we experience the world through the TV we expect things to happen. We don't participate any more. We watch.

[stillcool]

12. I think you are absolutely correct...

and what's more, I see any such awareness as positive. I have no idea what the solution is, but I'm at least becoming more aware of what the problem is. The truth shall set you free?

[treestar]

15. To expect instant change, though, is too much in this system

Dubya is still president and can only be got rid of with the long and cumbersome process of impeachment, and we'd have to do Cheney too, or we'd be no better off.

Think of it as avoiding Patriot Act III and a war with Iran. That's the unseen benefit for this two years.

[Odin2005]

16. Cynicism among Gen-Xers and younger Boomers.

Most people in that demographic think all politicians are crooks and special interest ass-kissers.