How can US residents defend their government?

I think he is right. The US government doesn't have the monopoly on corruption. It's no slouch, but it's definitely not the worst.

Broncos fan to another Broncos fan:

"This season the Donkeys just sucked ass. I can't believe Shanahan hasn't been fired yet."

Other Broncos fan:

"No kidding! Makes me feel ashamed. And Plummer, someone should sit on him and make him shave that hairy mug. "

"We should write and complain."

"Yeah!"

"Demand they get a better offense next year!"

"Yeah!"

"They were just pathetic!"

Raiders fan speaks up:

"Hah, your team really bit the big one!"

The two Broncos fans look at each other:

"Don't you come in here insulting my team!"

"Let's kick his ass!"

"Yeah!"

Hehe, not sure how this relates to the topic, but as a Denver native I gotta say: You are RIGHT ON! LOL

I suggest you move out then hun.

I guess this just reiterates the need for us to remain "ever vigilant." Do you think GovCo got to where it is without the cooperation of the "people?" Decades of apathy, IMO, are as much to blame for where we are today as anything else. That, my Americano friends, puts the blame squarely back upon you, me and the generations that preceded us.

Absolutely. In 1998, the voter turn out was 39.4 % of the eligible voting population. In 2000 it was 55% and in 2004 it was 60.7%. While it is improving (mostly because 2000 and 2004 were presidential elections), other [local] elections still experience a low turn out rate.

How can we stand up for ourselves to the elected government if less than half the eligible population turns out to vote?

What really confuses me is that the elections which experience the lowest turn out (local elections) are the ones that ultimately have the most impact on individuals within a community. Trust me - if you are a home owner, your property appraiser has a direct impact on your quality of life.

A vote, is probably the only voice that you (the American Citizen) have concerning the many things that will impact everything from your day to day life to the lives of our future generations.

Not only is it our responsibility to vote, but it is our responsibility to pester and push our elected representatives to assure that our votes are counted with accuracy.

We should be outraged that some people in this country were denied the right to vote because there were not enough machines available. We should be outraged that there is not a check and balance system on the voting machines to prove the integrity of our vote count.

But few of us are, which I find disturbing.

I so agree and was just discussing this with a couple of people today. We should also be outraged that our media and new outlets are not screaming about it as well. We should be outraged that our senators and representatives aren't demanding an accounting. We should be outraged that even more of these machines will be used when Jeb runs for President.

I just read that Carl Rove has been given the highest behind-the-scenes job that can be had in our government, Chief of Staff. And do the democrats scream loudly at his past, and the many suspicions that have been attributed to him? Does the new media so anything about his negative influence on politics, his criminal past, his often over heard tirades about revenge and smear campaigns and blackmail and abuse of power? Nope.

As a society, we are hypnotized by the boob tube, and we are force-fed corporate propoganda and self-indigence.

I am disgusted.

Right on, Rose! Also, keep in mind that every cogent, concise letter or phone call to your elected officials equates to a factor of 10 - 100, depending upon the locale, district, local population, etc. Given that we don't have a direct vote in Congress, city hall, or most other governing bodies, staying in touch with your representatives is one very effective way to influence representatives' voting decisions on your behalf.

Carl Rove = Bush's Brain

Btw David I could not agree more! If you dont already know about it a great source for news is Democracy Now, FSTV and even Aljazeera. I am thoroughly impressed with the job that Samir Khader and Aljazeera have done covering the war. I for one believe thier their commitment to objectivity, accuracy, and a passion for truth. more than ANY American news organization. If you have a chance check out the documentary Control Room. It is really brilliant!

Carl Rove = Bush's Brain

Btw David I could not agree more! I rely primary on the following news sources: Democracy Now, FSTV and even Aljazeera. I am thoroughly impressed with the job that Samir Khader and Aljazeera have done covering the war. I for one believe thier their commitment to objectivity, accuracy, and a passion for truth. more than ANY American news organization. If you have a chance check out the documentary Control Room. It is really brilliant!