An Historic Day

I promised myself when I started this blog that I would stay away from politics and work happenings, but I'm going to back track on that statement just a bit.  It's election day in the good 'ol US of A and I have a few observations on this historic day.

First, the United State is NOT a democracy.  We're a democratic republic.  As much as people would like to believe so, you also have no RIGHT to vote in the presidential election.  The wonderful electoral college determines the presidency, not the popular vote.  I remember in high school thinking that the electoral college was outdated and needed to be done away with, however, I have since changed my tune.  The Founding Fathers were brilliant in their foresight on this issue.  While your state may grant voting rights for local and state elections, the Supreme Court ruled decisively in 2000 in Bush v. Gore that no right to vote in Federal Elections (presidential) exists, simply measures to prevent discrimination in voting.

Second, public campaign funds are dead.  Obama's about-face on accepting these funds will kill this movement for the foreseeable future.  Ironically, John McCain crossed party lines to side with the Democrats on McCain-Feingold only to have his opponent give up funding.  Campaign reform has been a priority for the Democrats for some time and to see it fall to the wayside is interesting.

Despite any outcome, I urge you to exercise your PRIVILEGE to vote today.  Far too many people have given their life for you to stay home.