Election fatigue

I sometimes wonder if the entire American system is geared simply to make the most number of people feel the least able to cope with it.

The last two presidential elections nearly killed me. I feel like we're all just so beaten down, so aware that there's nothing we can do to change this, that we might as well give up.

I live in a solid blue state. What does it matter if I vote? The election will be decided by a handful of people bent on making the other side win.

So maybe that's not true, and Obama will win. He inherits the economy at its lowest point since the Great Depression. How long before people turn on him?

I know all the “right” answers to this. It's not helping. “Prepare for the worst; hope for the best” ain't cuttin' it, either.

What are you guys doing? How is your practice helping you?

Liz

Re: Election fatigue

Hi Liz!

I'm glad you brought this up…. I'm feeling similar to you except on the opposite side of the fence, being in Texas… like my vote counts… not!  (I will still go to the polls and vote!).  I feel it everyday, bumper stickers saying NObama, W Country, Deer in the crosshairs … I often feel like thats me!

(Don't get me started on inviting neighbors over and having all the 'voodoo' art up… Buddhist/ Tibetan paintings :-)

I feel the fatigue… yep, this would be the 3rd election (since 2000)… same as you.  This morning I entertained myself with thoughts of moving to Canada or better yet, Australia.

Bummed, but I keep on Truckin'… :-pp
~Stacy

Re: Election fatigue

Liz, Stacy,

It's not just you too.  I think many of us are.  Personally, I'm going to sit out the presidential election and just vote in the local.

I don't find either candidate appealing, so for me it's a lose/lose situation regardless of who wins.   Neither one of them seem to want to conserve money.  Everytime one of them speaks, I just see taxpayer dollar signs floating in the air.

*Stacy - I haven't been just dreaming about moving elsewhere…..I've been looking at properties via the internet and searching for jobs in those areas.

Re: Election fatigue

Oh, geez, eh - even the son of William F. Buckley is voting for Obama now.  Sadly, I'm daring to hope again - a most terrifying condition.  I don't recommend it - cynicism and despair feel much safer.

Who the fuck knows, anyway?  Maybe Obama will pull a Gorby and reluctantly preside over the needed dissolution of a superpower that's gone to seed.

Interesting times.

r.thor

Re: Election fatigue

from the Youtube Continuum:

Obama Knew It was Coming All Along (2:00)

Remember in late July when Barack Obama predicted John McCain's attack strategy? Remember McCain's howls of protest in response? Well, it turns out that Obama was right about McCain's attacks. As it turns out, he knew McCain better than McCain knew McCain. I guess that means we can call him “Nostrobamus.”

Re: Election fatigue

Gman, buddy, I hope you're wrong about Obama. But I hope, more importantly, that you're wrong about what he can do. Maybe not the kind of leader you were looking for, but the kind who ends up catalyzing the will of the people into something larger and more powerful than any of us.

Re: Election fatigue

Liz,

I hope so, but, truth is he doesn't have much to any experience.  Of course, that could be a good thing.  On the other hand, much of what he says is just generalized.  McCain can be accused of the same thing.

If they want my vote, the devil is in the details and I have not heard many other than “tax and spend” from Obama.  McCain is more a cut taxes and spend type guy which isn't sustainable either.

As a California resident these days, the tax and spend philosophy simply doesn't work.  As you know, they passed the state budget here and immediately found they were $1B in the hole.  How does that happen?

I want a guy (or gal) that will truely balance the budget, and keep the US within it's means.  Borrowing money should be for emergencies, not running day to day affairs.  Not meddling in others affairs would be a good start too.

The president doesn't really matter.  That GWB's approval rating is higher than congress should really have people thinking about who their Senator or Rep should be.

“Well, whatever, nevermind” - K. Cobain

Re: Election fatigue

Arthur was telling me yesterday that a conservative columnist-who was it? I don't remember-was saying that the people that Obama is surrounding himself with are excellent. I see him, as I said, as more of a catalyst than anything else. I think he is aware of his own inexperience (I mean, it's not like he doesn't know) and is deciding to find the best and the brightest to help him.

Re: Election fatigue

Yes I heard somone say the same thing on a UK radio station interview yesterday.

Juliee

Re: Election fatigue

Hi All,

Bill Mahr's Real Time last night was excellent… looks like we are 55 TRILLION in the hole (and growing), which means $480,000 per household.  Bottomline, both candidates need to Wakeup and get REAL, have transparency, we will need to be taxed, budgets need to be slashed, we need LONG-term planning…. ! CHANGE !

I didn't sleep well last night… it was less about the election, and more about the apathy and complacency that may return AFTER the election.  I'd love to see Americans' fitness level for government/ political involvement, engagement grow and stay in gear!!! 

my .02 ,
Stacy

Re: Election fatigue

Stacy,

I, myself am not losing sleep over the election, but I have my concerns as I stated with both candidates.

I agree with need a sound budget.  As I mentioned, there are no details coming forth other than spending money - so transparency in government should be a must.

Taxes….I would welcome a flat tax of system - employers could take it right off the top. No deductions, no loopholes.  This would apply to individuals and coroporations.  Just trash the current tax laws and write a one or two page law just spelling it out.  No need for tax returns, etc. 

For example, the Russian Federation claimed a 25+% increase in revenues the first year they did it. 

I agree that part of the problem is many are disengaged from US politics, but after seeing that snoozer of a debate the other day - I can see why.  US politics is boring.  I should have taped it as a sleep aid.  ;)

Until the American people get engaged and stay engaged, nothing will change much (IMHO).  These people work for us, and probably need constant reminders.

Good points, Stacy.

-Gman

“I want to be sedated” - Ramones

Re: Election fatigue

Well, I can't wait to have this beautiful family in the White House.

The more I hear and see of Barack, the more I feel humbled. I've said this before, he makes me want to be a better person - a nigh impossible feat for a politician.

Hey, even Gangaji sent an email with an indirect endorsement, saying in part: “It is my view that politically our country is at an essential crossroads. In my lifetime, there has never been an election as important as the upcoming one.”

Yes, tired, exhausted and stoked over here, watching the neocon empire crumble.

m

Re: Election fatigue

A disturbing scenario for Nov. 7 – originally posted by Keith Martin on the Obama-Biden pod ….

Happy Halloween!