Tornado Alley (PROG)

[fuagf]

iknowaguy, a couple of queries on those views .. one, there are many intelligent and well-
meaning people in congress and generalizing them as "idiots" doesn't feel helpful to me.

Also, your suggestion that citizens should be 'taught' how to vote, i'm not sure what you mean, surely it wouldn't be political indoctrination, so i guess you mean skills such as critical thinking which there is some evidence that many schools could do better which comes back to teacher training, teaching techniques, money best placed, curriculum, (it should be and i think is accomplished somewhat across subjects) so more money into structures of education.

Re voting, of course, there is the question of ..

Is mandatory voting a good idea? .. Background and context

There are currently 32 countries with compulsory voting around the world. They include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Singapore, Cyprus, Greece, and others. Of these 32 countries, 12 aggressively enforce their mandatory voting laws with penalties of varying kinds, including nominal penalties and small fees of as low as $15 and the deprivation of government services or the freezing of one's bank account. Australia is considered particularly notably for its mandatory voting because it is a large "mature" democracy. Australians have been required to vote in federal elections since 1924, out of a concern that voter turnout had dipped below 60 percent. Polls regularly show 70 percent to 80 percent of Australians support mandatory voting, and voter turnout is above 90% (comparing very favorably to the United States where voter turnout hovers around 50% to 60%). The debate surrounds whether mandatory voting enhances a democracy, improves voter participation, increases voter awareness on key political issues, and reduces arguably wasteful campaign spending on such things as voter turnout. But, opponents wonder whether compulsory voting violates the "right" to vote, and thus to not vote? Finally, should voting be seen as a duty or merely a right? These and other arguments are outlined below.

.. so to the pros and cons .. Is mandatory voting a good idea? ..
http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Compulsory_voting

There are many in Australia who view politicians in as you do .. see also ..

Intervention! Pat Robertson Calls GOP Base Too Extreme ..
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=68322359

which, lol, certainly brings to critical thinking around cutting the deficit, distribution
of wealth and the importance to demand in the economy of a healthy middle class.

.. anyway .. cheers!