Well, someone had to respond with the token reason why we should all vote. I must say I'm a bit surprised at who took up the keyboard, but okay!

I don't disagree that the growing sense of apathy among citizens may be part of the reason these two clowns are what we have to choose from, but I think it's more than a little dishonest to even pretend anymore that government serves the interests of the People (which is what we elect them to to do), don't you?

I mean, look at these oil and coal terminal projects being considered locally. It's abundantly clear to anyone with a pulse that the citizens and local governments are overwhelmingly opposed to the projects, yet somehow, those who will eventually decide their fate remain "undecided." This should be simple. Public says no, the $hit doesn't happen. As we all know, that's not the reality. As with any such project, as soon as the State decides they've squeezed all the revenue potential possible out of the deal, these projects will be approved. Whether or not they go forward depends more on the price of oil than anything else; government approval is basically a very expensive formality for people like Warren Buffett and his new oil cronies. (By the way, I would hazard a guess those folks have a lot more to do with which candidates we get to choose from than average citizens, apathetic or otherwise.)

Another problem (and this is a biggie) is what inevitably happens (whether by intent or by osmosis) to even the most honest of politicians (not saying much, but I digress) once they take office. It doesn't take long for the campaign support from the keepers of the status quo to start pouring in, and that lure is extremely powerful. Indeed, I believe the "contributions" lawmakers receive are the chief incentive for a person to run for office. Why else would a bunch of ex-attorneys and the like take a job with a base salary half of what they're accustomed to? Power, you say? What is more powerful in today's America than money? It drives everything. Now that our Supreme Court (great purveyors of justice they are) has made it legal for corporations to lobby under the guise of free speech (talk about a twist of intent with ill will written all over it!), there aren't going to be many citizens getting what they want out of lawmakers from here on out, unless they happen to be very wealthy, in which case they're probably on the other team already.

With all that, should I REALLY compromise my principles by voting for one of these repugnant individuals, just so I can call myself a patriot who did his duty? Screw that! My integrity is worth more to me than that. And don't bother suggesting I vote for an independent or other third party; that's nothing but a foolish waste of time and paper.

When Americans decide they're ready for change, it will come, and I seriously doubt votes will be among the most effective tools used in that process.

My God, what have I become?