I don't particularly like the political blogs that are so popular these days, however because it is Election Day I am going to go out on a limb and share a few observations which might be construed as political.
Traffic Analogy: First of all, I am going to have to suggest that Election Day is not a good day for cyclists to be on the road. While on my usual 35-mile route, the "Blackjack Loop", I discovered there was quite a bit more traffic than usual. Judging from the general attitude and demeanor of most of the drivers I would guess that the voter turnout this year was big and most folks had to wait in long lines - i.e. they were impatient and unfriendly.
If I were to vote for a candidate based on the motorists I encountered today, I surely would not vote for Bush. I was harassed by no less than six blatant, bird-flipping bullies with Bush stickers on their over-sized vehicles. On the other hand, only one minivan buzzed me that had a Kerry sticker on it, but that seemed to be without malice, they just were young and not very aware.
It seems simplistic, but that about sums up the political situation around here.
The Voting Process: I have often wondered about, not the wild-card voters, but the arbitrary voters. For example, how many folks go to the polls and vote for a specific candidate only to spite their spouse, friend or boss? Or how many flip a coin or rely on some other completely arbitrary method of choosing?
I have often thought that there should be some form of weighted voting. Prior to casting a ballot the voter must answer a series of questions about the candidates and issues. If the voter knows nothing, then their vote is worth less, while the educated and informed voter's vote is worth more.
[stepping down from my soapbox now]