If you're American, and don't live in Ohio.....
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I know you redneck, gun toting redneck zealot will probably vote for that firetrucktard bag of daddy monies*, but still: you got my 5. *) ;)
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This Electoral College system is entirely antiquated and is the sole reason for my vote here in California not amounting to spit. But yes, I voted this morning. As Farang said, there's more to voting than the Presidential race.
If it's not broken, fix it until it is
I always hear and read a lot of clamoring about the electoral college being antiquated yet I don't get it. Maybe the failure is that people think the U.S. is a democracy and it isn't, and it never was. It is a hybrid between a democracy and a republic in order to address the short-comings of each and highlight the strengths of both. If I were to address the flaws in the electoral college, I would suggest, that instead of it be winner take all as it is in most states, that the vote be broken up by district. Then there would be no more battleground States and every State and every district would be important. Imagine, how some States feel because they just don't matter in an election. Or worse, imagine living in Florida and having the entire region shut down repeatedly during elections because of "Presidential Security".
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
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I already did, yesterday (mail ballots are so much more convenient). I do live in a swing state, but I mostly voted in an attempt to cause some trouble - marijuana legalization is on the ballot and I want it to pass to see what the federal government will do in reaction (it's basically legal here anyways, getting a medical exemption is just a matter of asking for it). Plus it's money for schools, and the political ads against it annoy me ("usage by children ages 12-25 will double!").
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TPFKAPB wrote:
if you ask me.
We didn't. If I ever offer an opinion about specific foreign politicians, candidates or elections... please shoot me.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
:thumbsup: They actually aired a radio programme today (Radio 1) where they asked British people if they would be voting and who they would be voting for. It was shocking how many people replied obviously believing they could vote in the American Election. I blame it on the amount of coverage it's getting over here. I hope :^)
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I always hear and read a lot of clamoring about the electoral college being antiquated yet I don't get it. Maybe the failure is that people think the U.S. is a democracy and it isn't, and it never was. It is a hybrid between a democracy and a republic in order to address the short-comings of each and highlight the strengths of both. If I were to address the flaws in the electoral college, I would suggest, that instead of it be winner take all as it is in most states, that the vote be broken up by district. Then there would be no more battleground States and every State and every district would be important. Imagine, how some States feel because they just don't matter in an election. Or worse, imagine living in Florida and having the entire region shut down repeatedly during elections because of "Presidential Security".
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. I also do Android Programming as I find it a refreshing break from the MS. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
I agree. I live in CA, and my vote doesn't amount to spit, even though it has the #1 economy in the US, and Ohio's is 8th. yet because of population per capita, someone from Ohio's vote has more weight than mine. If the presidential election were decided by popular vote, then all these factors wouldn't matter.
If it's not broken, fix it until it is
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I'm a new American (ex-pat Brit) and I studied heavily for my citizenship exam (which turned out to be rather simple) so of course I voted. I have to believe (1) my vote could make a difference, and (2) having learnt about American politics, I should join in.
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Why not? ...if you always assume your vote doesn't matter, you're going to let other people make all the choices for you... Plus it doesn't take long at all... usually.
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I'm a new American (ex-pat Brit) and I studied heavily for my citizenship exam (which turned out to be rather simple) so of course I voted. I have to believe (1) my vote could make a difference, and (2) having learnt about American politics, I should join in.
Great! ...and welcome to America! :)
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Good for you. It's fun to see states try to fix what the feds fuck up.
lewax00 wrote:
("usage by children ages 12-25 will double!").
So? :doh:
Exactly. Here's the break down as I see it: 21-25: It would be legal for them, so who cares (also: not children) 18-20: I don't really care if they do, they're old enough to make a decision and take the legal risks (also: still not children) 12-17: I'm guessing the above two groups will more than double, making a very small growth here (finally made it into the children range!), plus they get the benefits of the tax.
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Glad to see another foreigner uninformed as shit about American political initiatives aside from Obama. Without looking up, would you be able to name a current Governor of any state? Caring about just the Presidency is idiotic. You are aware that many laws (not even elected offices) are put up to the public to vote on? I guess I'm glad you wouldn't be voting, if given the chance, because you are uninformed. [^] Even in my state, one of the bluest in the country, there are initiatives on the ballots: [^]
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:thumbsup: They actually aired a radio programme today (Radio 1) where they asked British people if they would be voting and who they would be voting for. It was shocking how many people replied obviously believing they could vote in the American Election. I blame it on the amount of coverage it's getting over here. I hope :^)
TPFKAPB wrote:
It was shocking how many people replied obviously believing they could vote in the American Election.
And yet only 17 people in the whole of Britain know they can vote for the police head bloke thing a week on Thursday. Half of those standing for election don't even know about it.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
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Glad to see another foreigner uninformed as shit about American political initiatives aside from Obama. Without looking up, would you be able to name a current Governor of any state? Caring about just the Presidency is idiotic. You are aware that many laws (not even elected offices) are put up to the public to vote on? I guess I'm glad you wouldn't be voting, if given the chance, because you are uninformed. [^] Even in my state, one of the bluest in the country, there are initiatives on the ballots: [^]
I believe that Pompey's thread, as indeed his earlier on the subject, were satires on both the ridiculous levels and lack of worthwhile content of the coverage the British media gives to the US elections.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
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:thumbsup: They actually aired a radio programme today (Radio 1) where they asked British people if they would be voting and who they would be voting for. It was shocking how many people replied obviously believing they could vote in the American Election. I blame it on the amount of coverage it's getting over here. I hope :^)
TPFKAPB wrote:
I blame it on the amount of coverage it's getting over here.
I'd bet 99% of Americans could not name the UK's current PM. In fact, I'd bet 99% of Americans could not name the PM of any country.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
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TPFKAPB wrote:
It was shocking how many people replied obviously believing they could vote in the American Election.
And yet only 17 people in the whole of Britain know they can vote for the police head bloke thing a week on Thursday. Half of those standing for election don't even know about it.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
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I've lived in what I refer to as a "shaved monkey" constituency all my life, but still go out to vote. Shaved Monkey Seat: A constituency where the incumbent party could let a shaved monkey in a suit become its candidate and still win the election. There is more chance of the ghost of Jimmy Savile getting elected in my constituency than a Conservative Party candidate
==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================
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I believe that Pompey's thread, as indeed his earlier on the subject, were satires on both the ridiculous levels and lack of worthwhile content of the coverage the British media gives to the US elections.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
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I believe that Pompey's thread, as indeed his earlier on the subject, were satires on both the ridiculous levels and lack of worthwhile content of the coverage the British media gives to the US elections.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
ChrisElston wrote:
I believe that Pompey's thread, as indeed his earlier on the subject, were satires on both the ridiculous levels and lack of worthwhile content of the coverage the British media gives to the US elections.
FTFY The US media (already horrible) is at its worst during a presidential election. Makes me X|
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
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TPFKAPB wrote:
I blame it on the amount of coverage it's getting over here.
I'd bet 99% of Americans could not name the UK's current PM. In fact, I'd bet 99% of Americans could not name the PM of any country.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. ~ George Washington
That is actually understandable though, considering the sheer geographic size and clout that America carries. I think if I was American I wouldn't give a shit who was the British PM either, in fact I would probably wonder why they needed a PM as they have a Queen.
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Hmm, I guess why would one expect the British media to provide quality coverage of American elections? I do see your point, and his point now, if it really is a comment regarding the British media focusing solely on Ohio.
I typed a long and informative, as well as witty, reply but then the computer ate it. Basically the British media is spending a massive amount of time, money, and energy covering the thing with every news outlet having reporters all over the states, with live broadcasts coming from there, but none of it covers anything other than Romney v Obama and trying to find where the key vote will be cast. No-one over here has much interest, the result will effect us - the US is that important, but it's not something we can do anything about, just let us know what is going on, and tell us the result. If they are putting that much time and effort into reporting, they could at least try some worthwhile and in depth reporting.
Every man can tell how many goats or sheep he possesses, but not how many friends. Shed Petition[^]
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Glad to see another foreigner uninformed as shit about American political initiatives aside from Obama. Without looking up, would you be able to name a current Governor of any state? Caring about just the Presidency is idiotic. You are aware that many laws (not even elected offices) are put up to the public to vote on? I guess I'm glad you wouldn't be voting, if given the chance, because you are uninformed. [^] Even in my state, one of the bluest in the country, there are initiatives on the ballots: [^]
As Chris said, it was intended in jest. If you watch the news over here you would think whoever Ohio votes for will be President.
wizardzz wrote:
Without looking up, would you be able to name a current Governor of any state?
You know I thought I could, but I checked before I posted so as not to look stupid and it turns out I would have looked stupid. I'm actually reading an interesting book at the moment written by a British man living in the States, who thinks the anti-amercanism in the world is unwarranted and tries to redress it. A lot of it explains amongst, other things, your enthusiasm for the elections. We wouldn't put up with the blanket coverage and recorded phone calls, etc over here.
wizardzz wrote:
I'm glad you wouldn't be voting, if given the chance, because you are uninformed.
I don't vote for this precise reason.
wizardzz wrote:
there are initiatives on the ballots:
See this I didn't know so glad I posted now.