Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 31

Thread: stupid Q about USA voting

  1. #1
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default stupid Q about USA voting

    are you guys voting on a new president this week?

    i dont pay attention to us politics, and i keep seeing things about you guys voting today or something. whats going on?

    im sure it wasnt that long that bush was re-elected. there was that whole i didnt vote for him sorry website thing.

    i need to get my head out of the sand me thinks...

  2. #2
    God/dess
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    8,031
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 143 Times in 42 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Shit, don't we wish!

    No, these are what are known as midterm elections -- it's halfway through the presidential term and there are a lot of important state races for governors and senators and congressmen. It's generally also considered a referendum on the mood of the country depending on whether the Republican party maintains control of the legislature or the Democratic party makes gains in those races.

    Just the fact that you're aware we're having an election means you know more about U.S. politics than I do about those in Australia, by the way.

  3. #3
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    is the mid term elections just to let the parties know where they currently stand in stakes?

    (and the only reason i know your having a form of election is the number of posts around the place about voting! haha wouldnt have noticed otherwise!)

  4. #4
    Featured Member GenWar's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    North Central New York State
    Posts
    1,107
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    ^^ Kinda sorta.

    We have 2 major parties, Republican and Democrat. Typically, one of them has more than the other in congress (The Senate and the House of Representatives). Lately, it's been the Republican Party.

    In the midterm elections, some of the Senators and Representatives are up for re-election. Not all, just some. Of the 5% of incumbents that don't win their elections, some of the new people may be of a different party than the incumbent. This might change the overall makeup of Congress enough that the party in control changes.

    But probably not. I went to vote this morning (Cuz I got a myspace bulletin from Paris telling me to do so. However, I neglected to remind my wife to vote, as she is of the opposite political party. I am a terrible human being.) and I saw NO one except me and the ancient polling place workers. This is at 7:30 am, which should be something of a prime time, I think. I bet we are up for another disappointing and pointless reaffirmation of undeserving incumbents. *shrug* My state is pointless anyway...as my entire municipal area is dominated by the opposite party of the largest city in the world, which shares our elections. Very very pointless. [/rant]

    -gen
    "See, believe it or not (and I don't care whether you do), it's never been about the sex. I get sex at home, anytime, and we like it, and it's good for both of us. No, my stripclub experience has been about acceptance, and affirmation, and desirability...There have been some women who have a personality that just clicks with mine, and in the faux-sex atmosphere of the club, it's a mix that is completely seductive." - Jay Zeno

  5. #5
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    you guys should totally go MMP. its so much easier to understand haha. and every party gets a say in parliment.

  6. #6
    Jay Zeno
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    I have to correct a technicality in Gen's statement. The U.S. has a bicameral legislature of Senate and House of Representatives (modeled roughly after the House of Lords - Senate, two from each state - and House of Commons - House of Representatives, based on population).

    Senators are elected to a six-year term. Representatives have two-year terms. Therefore, roughly a third of the Senators are up for election, but all of the Represesntatives are up for election. So while he's absolutely correct that not all seats in Congress are up for election, every seat in the House of Representatives is up for grabs every two years.

    Bush, a Republican, now enjoys a majority of Republicans in both Senate and House. That may well change, where one or both chambers have a good shot of having a Democratic majority.

    As for me, I voted early and skipped the lines today.

  7. #7
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    ^^ jesus. your government is so cmplex, no wonder no one votes!! its a mission to figure out!

    so and so is up for vote this year, but not the next x years, but so and so is up every x years, and then there mid term elections but they dont mean much. and no matter what the president can pay off people to win anyways.

    haha

  8. #8
    God/dess doc-catfish's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    123 Tornado Alley Way, Hooterville USA
    Posts
    6,322
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    is the mid term elections just to let the parties know where they currently stand in stakes?
    Well, thats any election if you think about it.

    What happens today is all 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for grabs, as are 1/3 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Also most U.S. states elect their Governors during midterms.

    Every U.S. citizen has one House representative whom IS up for election today because they have two year terms.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...epresentatives
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_..._complete_list

    They also have two senators, in which one of the two MAY be up for election today because they have six year terms. (In my particular instance, neither Senator is up for election today, but one will be two years from now and the other will be four years from now).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...ctions%2C_2006

    Then 36 of the 50 U.S. states will elect their governors today (essentially a state eqivalent of a President), along with representatives of their state legislature (essentially the state eqivalent of the U.S. House and Senate).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ates_Governors
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...ctions%2C_2006

    And with that, I must be off to the polls to do my civic duty. Then I'm heading to Nebraska to see my parents so I don't have to watch the returns and endless parade of concession speeches (well...at least not for my state).
    Last edited by doc-catfish; 11-07-2006 at 06:54 AM.
    Former SCJ now in rehab.

  9. #9
    Jay Zeno
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    ^^ jesus. your government is so cmplex, no wonder no one votes!! its a mission to figure out!
    Well... I'd argue that it's not much worse that having two houses of parliament where legislators are voted by preferential or proportional voting, depending on the house, and it's theoretically run by a figurehead of a monarch thousands of miles away. Humans do tend to be complicated because they have to go through so much compromise to agree on anything.

    Colorado, for instance. We have two Senators. We're not voting on either of them this year. If we did, the whole state would vote for it. Representatives, on the other hand, have districts. Each Colorado voter has just one Representative to vote for. Relatively simple.

    Well, except for the state elections and referendums. Those are added into the mix today. The Democrats also have a chance to gain a majority of governors today.

    It is confusing if you don't live here, I guess.

  10. #10
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    North side of no-where
    Posts
    2,279
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    ^^ jesus. your government is so cmplex, no wonder no one votes!! its a mission to figure out!

    so and so is up for vote this year, but not the next x years, but so and so is up every x years, and then there mid term elections but they dont mean much. and no matter what the president can pay off people to win anyways.

    haha

    Personally I always considered it important to have the president's opposition in power in at least one house of congress. In Australia, I would have it so that the 'government' only had 1 more seat than the opposition. One party having too much power is never a good thing, unless the other party is so morally reheprehensable that I could not conscience a vote for them.

    Looks like I may not be voting this year. I never had enough id on me to do it early, and getting into the poling place and to work are mutually exclusive goals. Luckily I won't be fined, like in Australia. I thought the polling place was the library.... turns out it is not. It was only an early voting location.... so now I have to find somewhere else and bring my non-id voter card with me.
    One more cup of coffee for the road,
    One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
    To the valley below....

    Slowly moseying my way to the exit.
    A Blogging?

  11. #11
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    the UK queen doesnt actually have any say in how nz is run. shes just a monarch, and one most nzders dont give two shits about. nz isnt a very monarch country.

    hmm i guess growing up with a government that was close to 50/50 i just assume it makes more sence.it seems like a more 'freedom' government then a single be all and end all leadership.

    but i can see how it can make sence for one leader to be well above the other members and single out that leadership.

  12. #12
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,493
    Thanks
    120
    Thanked 50 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by GenWar
    ^^ Kinda sorta.

    We have 2 major parties, Republican and Democrat. Typically, one of them has more than the other in congress (The Senate and the House of Representatives). Lately, it's been the Republican Party.

    In the midterm elections, some of the Senators and Representatives are up for re-election. Not all, just some. Of the 5% of incumbents that don't win their elections, some of the new people may be of a different party than the incumbent. This might change the overall makeup of Congress enough that the party in control changes.

    But probably not. I went to vote this morning (Cuz I got a myspace bulletin from Paris telling me to do so. However, I neglected to remind my wife to vote, as she is of the opposite political party. I am a terrible human being.) and I saw NO one except me and the ancient polling place workers. This is at 7:30 am, which should be something of a prime time, I think. I bet we are up for another disappointing and pointless reaffirmation of undeserving incumbents. *shrug* My state is pointless anyway...as my entire municipal area is dominated by the opposite party of the largest city in the world, which shares our elections. Very very pointless. [/rant]

    -gen
    When I went to early voting in my corner of the woods, the place was packed. I actually had to stand in line for a couple of minutes - unheard of in early voting! So if your state has early voting - many might have already done so!

  13. #13
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,493
    Thanks
    120
    Thanked 50 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    ^^ jesus. your government is so cmplex, no wonder no one votes!! its a mission to figure out!

    so and so is up for vote this year, but not the next x years, but so and so is up every x years, and then there mid term elections but they dont mean much. and no matter what the president can pay off people to win anyways.

    haha
    Actually the president doesn't pay off anyone.

    The Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee decide who will be running as most get a major chunk of funding from these fiends. Don't toe the party line - don't get any money. That is why everyone is the "same" candidate in the US.

    (Unless someone has the guts to run independent - GO KINKY FRIEDMAN!)

  14. #14
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,493
    Thanks
    120
    Thanked 50 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    you guys should totally go MMP. its so much easier to understand haha. and every party gets a say in parliment.
    Theoretically, the US system is suppose to be able to handle many parties.

    In fact, I remember reading some of the original founders of the country being very much against parties.


    What has happened is that many americans have allowed the DNC and RNC to do their thinking for them and any other party is "to scary" to really consider. When things go bad with the repugnicans people vote for the demorats. When the demorats screw up they go back to the repugnicans. These two parties have a monopoly on the political process in the US.

    For all the talk about George Bush this and George Bush that - people are beginning to realize both the parties are pretty much the same.

  15. #15
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    North side of no-where
    Posts
    2,279
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    What has happened is that many americans have allowed the DNC and RNC to do their thinking for them and any other party is "to scary" to really consider. When things go bad with the repugnicans people vote for the demorats. When the demorats screw up they go back to the repugnicans. These two parties have a monopoly on the political process in the US.

    For all the talk about George Bush this and George Bush that - people are beginning to realize both the parties are pretty much the same.

    Dam Skippy!!
    One more cup of coffee for the road,
    One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
    To the valley below....

    Slowly moseying my way to the exit.
    A Blogging?

  16. #16
    God/dess
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    8,031
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 143 Times in 42 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    I sorely wish that we had more of a parlimentary system with members from other parties. I mean, if the Libertarians can't even get a foothold in this country, things are sad. I would imagine decriminalizing drugs, prostitution, restricting taxation and affirming gun ownership would be things a lot of Americans could get behind. I'm not one, but seriously, they should be attracting a wider base with that platform. There was a commission in Oregon this past year that recommended that we elect our state legislature party-free. I like the idea of having people vote for parties rather than candidates -- say you get 40% dems, 40% republicans, 15% libs, and 5% green -- and then have the parties elect the reps. Then we'd inch closer to an actual democracy. As it is now, where we vote for candidates, only those with the backing of the two parties stand a chance, and I think it's pretty damn clear how poorly most Americans think those two are doing.

    Also, if presidential elections were run like this I bet we'd get better presidents, since picking a candidate is based so much on how marketable he is rather than how good at governing he might be. Maybe this would work . . . it would certainly give us an African America, female, or Jewish president a hell of a lot quicker than the present system.

  17. #17
    Featured Member GenWar's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    North Central New York State
    Posts
    1,107
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    QUOTE=Jay Zeno:
    I have to correct a technicality in Gen's statement. The U.S. has a bicameral legislature of Senate and House of Representatives (modeled roughly after the House of Lords - Senate, two from each state - and House of Commons - House of Representatives, based on population).

    Senators are elected to a six-year term. Representatives have two-year terms. Therefore, roughly a third of the Senators are up for election, but all of the Represesntatives are up for election. So while he's absolutely correct that not all seats in Congress are up for election, every seat in the House of Representatives is up for grabs every two years.
    ------------------------

    Doh! Somewhere my civics teacher is really really embarassed for me.

    -gen
    "See, believe it or not (and I don't care whether you do), it's never been about the sex. I get sex at home, anytime, and we like it, and it's good for both of us. No, my stripclub experience has been about acceptance, and affirmation, and desirability...There have been some women who have a personality that just clicks with mine, and in the faux-sex atmosphere of the club, it's a mix that is completely seductive." - Jay Zeno

  18. #18
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by Susan Wayward
    Shit, don't we wish!
    Heheh I know right. I cant' wait until 2008!

    Anywho, I just got in from Voting. Ohio has a very strange way of voting this time around. I had to color in (with black inkpen) a square to signify who I was voting for.







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  19. #19
    Featured Member sander8son's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2003
    Location
    Under Bridge 227 on I-95, Massachusetts
    Posts
    1,621
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    Actually the president doesn't pay off anyone.

    The Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee decide who will be running as most get a major chunk of funding from these fiends. Don't toe the party line - don't get any money. That is why everyone is the "same" candidate in the US.

    (Unless someone has the guts to run independent - GO KINKY FRIEDMAN!)
    Deogol, its amazing how much we agree on MOST things, yet how violently we disagree on something else

  20. #20
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,493
    Thanks
    120
    Thanked 50 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by sander8son
    Deogol, its amazing how much we agree on MOST things, yet how violently we disagree on something else
    Hot or Cold! Hot or Cold!

  21. #21
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,493
    Thanks
    120
    Thanked 50 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by Susan Wayward
    I sorely wish that we had more of a parlimentary system with members from other parties. I mean, if the Libertarians can't even get a foothold in this country, things are sad. I would imagine decriminalizing drugs, prostitution, restricting taxation and affirming gun ownership would be things a lot of Americans could get behind. I'm not one, but seriously, they should be attracting a wider base with that platform. There was a commission in Oregon this past year that recommended that we elect our state legislature party-free. I like the idea of having people vote for parties rather than candidates -- say you get 40% dems, 40% republicans, 15% libs, and 5% green -- and then have the parties elect the reps. Then we'd inch closer to an actual democracy. As it is now, where we vote for candidates, only those with the backing of the two parties stand a chance, and I think it's pretty damn clear how poorly most Americans think those two are doing.

    Also, if presidential elections were run like this I bet we'd get better presidents, since picking a candidate is based so much on how marketable he is rather than how good at governing he might be. Maybe this would work . . . it would certainly give us an African America, female, or Jewish president a hell of a lot quicker than the present system.
    You think a parliment system is better?

    Best do some research on the House of Lords and how they are made up... right down to inheriting positions.

    As far as parties electing the reps - what do you think the primaries are for?

    There are approximately 50,000,000 voters who do not vote. They are waiting for a party to swoop them up and it ain't the dems or the reps.
    Last edited by Deogol; 11-07-2006 at 11:07 AM.

  22. #22
    God/dess doc-catfish's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    123 Tornado Alley Way, Hooterville USA
    Posts
    6,322
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by cinammonkisses
    Ohio has a very strange way of voting this time around. I had to color in (with black inkpen) a square to signify who I was voting for.
    That's what I had to do this morning, (except mine was an oval). Brought back memories of SRA tests.
    Former SCJ now in rehab.

  23. #23
    Featured Member GenWar's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    North Central New York State
    Posts
    1,107
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    QUOTE=cinammonkisses:
    Anywho, I just got in from Voting. Ohio has a very strange way of voting this time around. I had to color in (with black inkpen) a square to signify who I was voting for.
    ------------------------------
    This must be new. in NY, we had the same old ancient machine where you move the little knobs back to reveal an "X" next to your candidate. I love these because all the candidates are in rows by party. When you vote by party affiliation strictly, as I do, you can do your entire ballot in a single finger motion by dragging your finger down the row of knobs, knocking them all out of place. Saves *LOTS* of time.

    -gen
    "See, believe it or not (and I don't care whether you do), it's never been about the sex. I get sex at home, anytime, and we like it, and it's good for both of us. No, my stripclub experience has been about acceptance, and affirmation, and desirability...There have been some women who have a personality that just clicks with mine, and in the faux-sex atmosphere of the club, it's a mix that is completely seductive." - Jay Zeno

  24. #24
    God/dess
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    8,031
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 143 Times in 42 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    You think a parliment system is better?

    Best do some research on the House of Lords and how they are made up... right down to inheriting positions.
    I said a parliamentary system, not a replica of the UK's government.
    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    As far as parties electing the reps - what do you think the primaries are for?
    They're for a popular election of a party's candidate, Deogol. Why? What do you think they're for?
    Quote Originally Posted by Deogol
    There are approximately 50,000,000 voters who do not vote. They are waiting for a party to swoop them up and it ain't the dems or the reps.
    Hence the whole freaking point of my post, that another system would make other parties more viable.

  25. #25
    Member GURU OF $IN's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    38
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: stupid Q about USA voting

    whats up with all this voting and elections and headaches.

    just put a dictator

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Voting in primarys
    By Susan-Va in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 02-08-2008, 11:00 PM
  2. I went from Most Leniant Club USA to Super Strictest Club, USA
    By Alaska in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-24-2007, 10:49 AM
  3. Y'all voting in Seattle?
    By Susan Wayward in forum Club Chat
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11-09-2006, 02:18 PM
  4. stupid Q about USA voting
    By mermaidnz in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 11-07-2006, 07:32 AM
  5. Voting....please do!
    By discretedancer in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 11-02-2004, 09:18 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •