The image-caretakers parse each statement and position with both eyes on the projected and expected effect on demographic slices and dices that they mistake for the electorate, each slice characterized by a simplistic on-off response to certain button-words. Add up the right buttons, and you win! Touch the wrong ones, and the Bomb wipes out your Base.

Pigmy Machiavelli wannabes, all of ‘em. Niccolo would choke on their inanities, however.

Have we become an apathetic electorate? In many instances I believe we have. The question is, why?
Is it possible this could be the reason?
I’ve often thought that one reason Americans don’t trust their government is that their government d…

Point 2: I think your comments extend beyond the political campaigns. Politicians, especially the President, should address the public more often to explain their actions. In my view, one of the Bush’s weaknesses was failure simply to talk to us. Despite his obvious discomfort before the camera, I thought he generally did well and was quite effective when he did appear. Did this failure to communicate reflect the secretive nature of the administration as his critics assert? Or, did it reflect the arrogance of distrust for a people who are incapable of understanding and discernment?

The 2 parties have adopted the attitude towards the American citizen that was well put by Jack in the movie about 15 years ago ” You cant handle the truth!”.

My response for 30 years has been “try me!” Ronnie did and that’s why he got my vote and I never regretted it. Compared to many other votes it regretted - the winners in 1976, 1988, 2004 - to mention a few. Note that I did say I was a Dem the 1976 vote was not an accident(in my mind) at the time. I regretted it by the end of 1977.

Really?

I hadn’t noticed that the conservative movement, which used to mock, among other, feminists who thought paintings of semi-clothed women by renaissance masters constituted an assault on women, have spent the last three years bitching about how “happy holidays” signs constitute an assault on Christians.

One of these days conservatives are going to see that they copied all the worst behaviors of liberals. The sounds of so many empty heads exploding will be so very very satisfying.

Yes, it’s a stupid game. If people paid attention, the game would change. And as long as the game is played this way, few will pay attention. A nice little downward spiral.