i am pretty sure that if no one showed up to vote except their families. they would get the message.

Straw dogs are not final plans. They are goin gto get shot down and torn apart. But then they do present a starting point for discussion and debate. I see Jythier's point, and eliminating the stupids would be problematic (or ignorants whichever is more politically correct).

But then we could always have a "teach to the test" class along with it, so that no one would be excluded if they made an effort. There are other ideas, that may not pan out, may be made to, or may lead to other ideas. What we do know is that we have to start thinking outside the box.

What we do know is that we have to start thinking outside the box.

Well you might know it. I know it. But the larger collective we does not know it. Many don't know that they *should* know it. Some of them vote.

Behind every vote is a person, and the intelligence that person brings to bear on the issues that are involved in whatever "age" the vote takes place should matter. I don't even mind if that eliminates me. I'm not trying to be an intellectual snob here. But I don't want to see a great thinker walk up to the polls to vote and then be followed by someone that just isn't much of a thinker and nullifies the first guy's vote based on any number of things that don't matter.

So there's idea number 2. Once every two years, you take an essay test where you describe the various issues and your understanding of them including proposed solutions to fix them. You're afforded internet access and a week's worth of time to write it. Research and fact count. Citations are required. Reliability of your sources are also in the judgement. If you choose not to write, your vote counts 1 point and everyone gets to vote. if you DO choose to write (and here's the shortfall of this idea) a panel of judges determines your knowledge of the subject at hand and your vote gets more weight. The shortfall being, of course, who would judge?

You know, if nothing else, people might get more involved with understanding the state of things as opposed to just voting party lines or even worse, basing their vote on "impressions" aka marketting, slogans, and other mental detritus that shouldn't be involved. More education is good.

1 point for each issue identified, 1 point for showing understanding of each issue, 1 point for each proposed solution, and a single point for submitting an essay. Additional points also for knowing a candidate's stance on issues.

So, now we have a new system to vote with, can I start a business writing essays for people to get them more points? How about we just sell the votes?

Do you disagree with the premise that better informed people make better informed decisions, or are you just skeet shooting?

Doc didn't ask for bullet proof ideas. He asked for out of the box thinking.

So before you take your next shot, let's hear you think out of the box, J. I'd consider that a personal success.

I like the essay idea, I think it has some serious market potential.

Have a waiting room at the polls and show a video of a debate. You can go in there and learn about the candidates, and have it fresh in your mind as you go to vote. Or even internet access provided there, with bookmarks on each candidate's web page, voting record, etc.

I like the video idea better, even if it was a video made by each candidate instead of an actual debate. They would have to only address themselves, and not how awful the other guy is. Get your smear campaigns out of the way before the election.

Well considering he was voted in twice, apparently there were no good choices in those offices either.

"My attempt to add 30 minutes to recess for all grade schoolers was met with derision from the teaching staff."

Almost missed that one. You couldn't get them to compromise at 15?

i don't think the problem is uninformed people OK their part of the problem. but the big problem are the lazy people.

what i mean is how many people go to vote and punch out the all democrat or all republican button or what ever it is in your state.

Yup. I had a lady last year who told me she was sorry she didn't vote for me, but she "only" votes for Democrats. I told her I was sure my opponent was grateful for her support, which upset her (my opponent, of course, was a Republican). I reminded her that by not casting a vote for me she effectively voted for my opponent. She didn't like that much.

you think she will make that mistake again.

I hope that was not Dabe.

Probably. Whatcha gonna do, though?

I've probably joined the ranks of "aspiring politicians who are more marketable as writers"...lol!

Next year I'll just promote my CD at campaign stops! LOL!