What if we voted on issues instead of personalities? Are we ready for that in the USA?
966116
that is pretty much how i decide who to vote on.  i don't follow politics at all, so i don't see the candidates speaking or anything like that to even have a clue what their personalities are like.  instead a day or two before the vote i get online and do research to see where everyone stands on the issues.  then i vote according to who most agrees with me on what i consider to be important issues.\ni couldn't care less about things like parties or personalities.
1159638
The success of the US is based on an informed electorate...without an informed electorate citizens will make poor choices in the voting booth.  Responsible political discourse is the duty of every citizen...the sharing and exchange of ideas is critical to the functioning of our country...also, I find people and their opinions extremely interesting.
801602
When it comes down to the issues that truly affect Americans. There is not much of a difference at all.\n\nFree Trade, Immigration, and Balanced budgets.
772441
No !!!\n\nCalifornia used to be different for the following.\n\nA Democrat would had voted Republican if they disagreed with their party on issues.\n\nExample was when Earl Warren. He became Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.\n\nA Republican would had voted Democrat if they disagreed with their party on issues.\n\nAmericans should vote on VALID issues.\n\nThe parties HAVE destroyed the faith in voting.\n\nIt is like buying merchandise: Do you buy a famous and well known brands or an obscure generic one.\n\nValid issues  and or candidate = intelligent decisions\n\nBoth parties have benefited from mudslinging\n\nConsider a view supported by the late Barry Morris Goldwater
759117
YES- Absolutely. As individuals, the best thing you can do to change anything is vote.\nIf you don't vote, you don't get to complain.\nThanks so much for bringing up an important point.
1023471
Let's NOT assume there's going to be a world government, get RID of that idea...other countries need to work a lot harder at solving their own problems instead of trying to vote themselves into the United States or whatever...
243783
It is an unfortunate thing that our President chooses to act like a dictator. However, I really would not think it to be a wise thing to let non-Americans vote for our leader, since Americans are now hated by half the world's populace. It could be a very ugly state of affairs for us!
101875
I think that all depends on what the people do to change the current situations. In America we have the great ability to determine the security and stability of the world. \nWe can not change anything if the American people continue with their collective thought that we can do nothing to change the way the government acts. \n\nI personally belive this starts with getting out of the "party" mindset. I dont know anyone that agrees with either party on each and every issue.
956356
How cynical and apathetic are we becoming!\n\nIt is the electorate that determines who will have the credentials.\n\nIf the system seems that money, name and power is all it takes, we have ourselves to blame!
939105
I think what there needs to be is test for voters.  You should have to prove that you know the issues and what the candidates stand for.  If we had educated voters, instead of 'rock the voters' we wouldn't have to be so concerned about sub-par people becoming president.  Elected officials are just a reflection of the population as a whole.
86638
Sure they could. It's called voting. People need to direct more thought into voting. The American people vote their representatives into office, who in turn get to make the laws and vote for the President. Too many people sit idly by and don't make sure their voices are heard. Whenever there is an issue that I strongly have an opinion about, I make sure to call my Representative's office-be it a local, state, or Federal issue. This is the only way to make sure your opinion gets recorded! They are your elected reps. and are there for you, to vote according to the people of their districts. Signatures on a petition are just an amplification of this. Also, if more people who disagree with the system and would take action to run for office can you imagine the changes that would ocurr? I'm not saying any nutjob can get elected, but if you make sense and others agree with you then why not give it a try? People need to realize they are vested in the actions of this country whether they agree with them or not. We need to eliminate the people from office who do not represent our views as a whole. Our society needs to take action! Stop saying "It doesn't matter when I vote, so I'm not going to vote". That kind of attitude is what's gotten our system into the sorry mess it's in now. If you don't vote or take action, others who do vote will get control of things & quite possibly do things you don't agree with.
381546
by voting in better leaders and voicing our opinions
1091405
I agree with you.  Many states have an initiative process where people are allowed to vote on issues -- my state, California has this and there are always a lot of issues on the ballot for the people to vote on.  There are many issues where the politicians in Washington somehow are out of step with the people as a whole.  A nation-wide initiative process would be a great solution to this.
31153
Well, you could follow the liberal Democrat model of depending on government for handouts, jobs, givaways and then blindly vote for them for the next 50 years hoping that someday they might actually have a solution to problems instead of just talking about them.\n\n-or-\n\nYou could follow the conservative Republican model of low taxes, personal freedom, Capitalism and personal responsibiliy and become a productive leader of society.\n\nIt's up to you.(Unless you're a liberal, then it's up to someone else)
936302
Yes.  America, UK, and Australia need to get out of there and deal with their own domestic issues instead.
215271
Maybe not education per se; rather, how about a simple multiple-choice test on the pertinent issues?  If people could prove that they understand what is at stake in an election, perhaps they would vote more intelligently.
856223
It sounds similar to when Rock and Roll came to America, and people said our society was doomed. Or color TV. Or women voting, or well you see the point.\nAnything to sell newspapers or keep us glued to the TV.\nTo scare us to vote against "them" and/or for "them". When it's THEM we should know more about.\nDon't get disillusioned, please!\nStay involved in your LOCAL community elections and activities! This is where America still works, and is alive.\nSo I think I'll answer: Yes, and shame on them. But if we buy into their stuff without thinking - then shame on us, too.\nKEEP THINKING!