The democratic process should begin in the home with active parenting; not passive or dictactorship styles. Active parenting provides a forum to share and to hear ideas, solutions, praise, criticism, etc. as well as an understanding that one%26#039;s ideas should always be heard, considered and respected, but not necessarily always taken. This foundation then naturally expands into school where teachers may mirror this type of democratic atmoshere. Additionally, I feel more demonstrative practice is needed within the school system in order for our youth to understand the democratic process on a personalized local level. Washington is far away; OUR community is right in front of us.
One solution may be to link community leaders with schools and to openly invite ideas, internship-for-a-day programs or other activities that marry %26quot;the process%26quot; with a reality that children understand. If the democratic process is understood and actively demonstrated locally then a national understanding is more easily comprehended.
Of course all ages need to be engaged with this process. If we educate and engage at a younger age, it is a natural concequence that the democratic process will continue well into young adulthood and beyond. The age of 18 gives our youth the right to vote and to be a legal adult; if their upbringing engaged the democratic process, then our Leaders-of-Tomorrow will continue and expand the democratic process.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I love that this answer doesn%26#039;t blame the government, but instead reminds us that WE are responsible. I%26#039;m also impressed that Senator Obama chose an answer rather than letting it go to vote - and since this one had no thumbs up/down when it was chosen, it was at least 53 pages in. Yes, I checked.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Liberals are complete retards and anyone who believes their crap is pretty stupid too. They disrespect our troops and are unamerican!Liberalism- Abandon the search for the truth settle for a good fantasy.
LIBERALS ARE COMPLETE LIARS AND LOSERS!
You are eiether RIGHT or WRONG!
VOTE RIGHT!
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?BAN OBAMA BIN LADEN!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?President Obama. That sounds good.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Elected leaders in the community will only %26quot;get%26quot; involved in the community when they need votes to stay in power.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?the %26quot;democratic process%26quot; is never going to take off and be effective unless you coerce the parents into teaching their children what to believe, in this case %26quot;democracy%26quot;, but to the point where you would force parents to teach their kids ideals, isn%26#039;t that just a dictatorship right there?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?That was an appropriate answer to an important question. Its too bad we don%26#039;t have more of this kind of understanding in our country. We need a lot more than bravado and bumper sticker patriotism.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I am very concerned that Mr. Obama is not directly speaking on the issue of his upbringing.He was raised by his mother and a step father who is an active hater of Americans and Christains and Jews and , well, everyone not male muslim.
This issue is huge and will just get bigger. Address it now.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?He actually wrote two books about his upbringing.May I also add that fear-mongering is antidemocratic?
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Why do candidates have to %26quot;belong%26quot; to a party. In Germany, a Socialist country, voters have the option to select from candidates from 5 parties, not 2 like in the US. Who truely has the %26quot;democracy%26quot; here.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?it is great to see some famous questioners actually take the time to chose a best answerhuge thumbs up for remembering
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Fear mongering is not anti- democratic . It%26#039;s free speech; just like the %26quot;answer%26quot; that one of his staffers submitted. 53 pages in-typical democrat propaganda. Think Hillary and her many %26quot;dialects%26quot;.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Sure, an open dialog between parent and child. Sounds great! I a world where parents listen to their toddler%26#039;s ideas on having chocolate cake for breakfast, and why the teen should own a sportscar. Kids ideas should always be heard, considered and respected, regardless of how absurd.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?How aboput we make our politicans honest and make the govermert work for instead of against the rest of us again? The constant catering to the wealthy while the rest of us take it in the azz needs to stop. No wonder the politicans want more gun control they all deserve to be shot.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I think Obama doesnt post these questions OR reply to them. If this question can be tracked back to a time, and find it was impossible for Obama to have been the one posting it, would you vote for him?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Crazies to the left of me...Wimps to the Right!...It%26#039;s a great book...read it, Obama!
Although I am an Independent, I sway to the conservatives side for obvious reasons.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I wish I had seen this earlier. The reason people aren%26#039;t active is because they feel alienated. Candidates are too busy worrying about their parties and corporate sponsorship to speak their mind. Give me a candidate that speaks for himself, and I%26#039;ll vote for him every time.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Now would you say togatherness was a quote or a vote Obama if you have anything in your running for office related to the new rap music your out pal!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?If we had more people like Barack Obama in Government or the world for that matter the world would be a better place! Read his two books and you%26#039;ll see just how, down to earth, intelligent, and rightous this man really is!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?that answer was totally dumb. Give me a break. You are the type of parent that wants to be %26quot;friends%26quot; with your kids. %26quot;Internship for a day%26quot;? That will solve all of our problems. Get your head out of you know where.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The simple answer is to communicate and start with yourself andthen work your way through family and the community.
Try living in a country where English is not the native language.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?It%26#039;s an %26quot;either%26quot;/%26quot;or%26quot; system that seems to reject Democracy,something the folks of the U.S.A. want,instead of a split U.S. I%26#039;d be afraid to say who I like,or disagree with,50% of the people in a room may get mad for my opinions,leaving me feeling that Democracy has left the Nation.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I think more people would vote if the popular votes were the winning votes. I think it%26#039; s discouraging the way it is now. It seems like the electoral voting system isn%26#039;t fair. It makes it seem like our votes don%26#039;t count.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Kool-Aide any one?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Democracy is not for Children. Democracy carries with it a responsibility for the consequences of one%26#039;s choices, something many people seem to have forgotten.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?So in a %26quot;democratic%26quot; family, when the 4 year old runs out into the street, we have a debate instead of yelling at them to stop?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?It was a bad question. What%26#039;s the value of involving more people? What%26#039;s the expected result?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I liked the question posed as well as the answer. to me the value of involving more people IS to have more discourse and to see the tripe some people believe like the comment about Obama%26#039;s step father being an active %26quot;hater%26quot; as if that means he is one too.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Ignorance breeds contempt and I have seen alot of ignorance in some of the comments posted here. Parents need to get involved to teach the children the correct way which will include disagreements but also need to teach them to respect the differences of opinionReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Opening up life for discussion with your children doesn%26#039;t mean letting them have cake for breakfast or debating about whether or not he should run into the road. Its about telling them and helping them understand why cake for breakfast or running into the street are not good choices. Seems smart.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The point was not that the 4 year old needs to be included in decisions involving larger consequences than what color he or she will wear that day, but that the 14 year old needs to be aware that using good judgement in choosing our elected officials is essential.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The only votes your going to get are those from people who hate your opposition. including myself.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Lori. I feel sorry for you. anyone can write anything in a book. It is actions that show who a person really is. what has obama done? Why should he lead our country? Give me one good reason Why I Should vote for this man to be the single most powerful person in the world.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Al Gore III gets my vote. I hear he is going to run just as soon as he posts bailReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?We must get rid of the two party system. To do that we must have some form of proportional representation (specifically cumulative voting). This would make seats in congress be in proportion with the percentage of votes they get.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P…
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?no more demon-cratsReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Is anyone here really naive enough to believe Mr. Obama actually took the time to read 17384 answers and personally choose the best one? Puh-lease. No one person has the time to wade through that kind of volume. The celebrity questions/answers are a farce.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Too many vote the party ticket. Look at all the anti-Bush rhetoric, and the republicans feel likewise of Clinton and his legacy. Ever wonder why our %26quot;national guard%26quot; is in the war?What is needed is truth, honesty and integrity from candidates.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Boomers have lost faith in the process since Kennedy and Ohio State. Gen-Xers have lived with the lies and deciet. Most will not get involved in what they believe is pointless and corrupt.It is time to change the process to truly represent the choice of the people... not politics
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Great Answer!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Obama for PREZ!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Debates let people see the person and their ideals. Let each vote actually count. Perhaps a government website accessible to everyone, with background info. on the candidates and the issues. No media frenzy and blackout the results until after all votes are all cast.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I%26#039;ll vote for Sen Obama.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?GO O!We don%26#039;t just need teens to get involved in voting, everyone does.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I am fairly liberal and, as a Navy wife, I DO support our troops (just not the war) and I am as American and patriotic as they come. Because someone does not have your views does not make them a liar or a looser. Think before you speak.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Obama for President! And when it comes to Democracy i think we have to start over, the base is bad , you can%26#039;t just fix the top......CommentReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I think Obama is fooling himself. The biggest problem with getting people involved today is that most people feel that their vote or opinion doesn%26#039;t matter anymore. Our representatives do what they want and what special interests want. Why bother if nobody listens to you anyway?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The top answer sounds great but as a father of four I find it unrealistic to expect families, as they currently exist in the U.S. to be able to carry out these suggestions. I know many single-parent families where the parent doesn%26#039;t have the knowledge or resourcefullness to carry out such lessons.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Why did he put %26quot;.%26quot; for answer rating.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Listen people... you all need to get used to the idea that Obama probably will not be president. As a whole, this country is not ready for a president who is not a white male.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Teaching children about democracy at home and in school is fine, but then they go out into the real world and find out that for whom they vote doesn%26#039;t matter because the choices that we are given by our political parties are ALL going to ignore the will of the people as soon as they are elected.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Of course he didn%26#039;t read them all. His staffers perused the answers, narrowed it down significantly first (cutting out the conspiracy theories, hate mail, and finger pointing), and Sen Obama chose from that pool. It%26#039;s called efficiency.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Charity begins at home, and seemingly so does democracy. This is an excellent answer to this question. The democratic process requires the knowledge that all voices will be heard and respected, otherwise it will not work at all.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Rebecca W (Ms. Best Answer) joined Yahoo exactly at the same time this question was posted, and answered only one other question.This question and answer was completely staged.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Obama is not a true american, until he is willing to defend America on the front lines he has no right to bash our troops. Regardless of Republican or Democrat it is time for Americans to get off their buts and do the research for themselves.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The Democratic party in America does not care about people or the Constitution, they would rather talk big and leave the work to government then get involved themselves. The Republicans at least are willing to actually get involved and not leave it to the government. Thompson for PresidentReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Thanks Senator for a great question and to Rebecca for an equally great answer. The contribution of the question itself has seemed to engage many. The act of debating our values, both personal, and national, is part of the democratic process.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Before we can choose a leader, we must also come to a general consensus on what it is that we want from our government. Barack Obama in 08%26#039;.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I%26#039;ll take some Kool-Aid.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Obama %26#039;08Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I would like some Kool-Aide too.Don%26#039;t Forget Me!
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Total crap! A phony answer by a fabricated person. How much cash does Yahoo contribute to the DNC and its PAC organizations?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?It%26#039;s a very lovely answer and also CLEARLY a fake. Rebbecca W in CA%26#039;s profile is unused otherwise. People who get on this sight are NEVER that well spoken, and never that disengaged emotionally. you have to give it a little character, some messiness or personality to be convincing.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?well IN THIS %26quot;REPUBLIC%26quot;........ PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE.....EDUCATION IS A KEY....AND RON PAUL NEEDS TO BE PRESIDENT.RONPAUL2008.COM
AND BUSH/CHENEY NEED TO GET IMPEACHED IMMEDIATELY...OR RESIGN TODAY....
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Excellent response. I thought yahoo would be doing a better job watching for the responses for the fools who just want to inflame. (Libs this, cons that, type of thing).Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I do not believe that a sentence should begin with the word %26quot;of%26quot; nor are the quotations in the proper place. I just found it very funny that Senator Obama and his staffers chose an answer from a person who could not manage a proper paragraph.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I randomly reviewed several other answers. I have to agree that education would be the answer. High School students are not required to take political science or American Government classes, prehaps they should be mandatory classes. Educate.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I still know who you are, nice job in deleting my answer while everyone else stays??!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Why vote for Obama:1.) Immigration (his focus on family)
2.) Moderate approach to Iraq conflict / war
3.) No political power
Why not vote for Obama:
1.) Lack of experience with foreign, fiscal, and economic policy
2.) Does not answer important questions
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Do you really think he read all of the answers? That%26#039;s what staff is for. And good luck running a family or a school as a democracy. Ever heard of the expression %26quot;the inmates are running the asylum%26#039;?Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I like Obama, however, will people please take the time to look up the meaning of %26quot;democracy%26quot;. Benjamin Franklin when asked what they had given us replied %26quot; a republic, if you can keep it%26quot; (paraphrased)Democracy is nothing more than mob rule.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Wow I am impressed. That was the most politically motivated answer I have heard. where is the reality in that answerReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Stop the polarization in the parties by decreasing the hate rhetoric. We have a 2 party system now (Wish there were 3 or 4), that just sits and bullies each other around. Address the little people, the %26quot;John Does%26quot; of America. Get Hollywood out of politics. Campaign only in the election year.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Get the community at large to nominate people to run for office they trust and admire. Stop allowing ego maniacs to raise their own hands to elect/nominate themselves. Stop allowing Lawyers to run for office.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?people in america vote for the president that benefits them not the country america is selfish bush%26#039;s first election he barelyy wonReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Until you can pick up a newspaper and NOT see, yet another polititian who has disgraced himself, abused his power,or disgraced his office, I think most Americans can not see any difference in those seeking public office. The NSA runs the country and they are not electedReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Does it really matter who posed the question? Does it really matter who answered it? It%26#039;s really not that hard, people. Less than half of this country participates in the freedom to choose our own govt. That%26#039;s pathetic. We need to engage them.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Now we finally know where democrats come from. Unchecked children running with scissors.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?It%26#039;s nice to see a parent standing up and taking the responsibility so many others should. A child%26#039;s greatest influence is his or her parents. Parents are the front line in their child%26#039;s war of lifeReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Whoever this is that was awarded %26#039;best answer%26#039; was clearly a plant. She hasn%26#039;t answered other questions here, she just signed up to answer this question it seems.And this is the most non-answer I can fathom. Clearly a politician wrote this answer.
Thanks anyway, yahoo.com.
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?By telling them the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?This makes me itch. Hipocrites....I mean democrats shouldn%26#039;t exist. ;)Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Politicians are corrupt. Every politician is manipulated by special interest groups, his own selfinsh goals, and political party BS. There are more important endevors than supporting corrupt politicians, because the only time something gets done is when a citizen makes it happen.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Well Mr. Ban Liberals then I guess you don%26#039;t believe in Democracy, so I guess you’re an Anti-American. Change should come as our society changes. That%26#039;s why our founding fathers included the elastic clause within the Constitution, guess your not smart enough to know that.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I think the answer chosen is very reasonable and responsible. Amazingly enough, it is a very conservative answer but is being bashed instead of thought about. The woman put forth individual responsibility, not government responsibility. It doesn%26#039;t get much more right wing then that.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?We should respect ideas? Nonsense! Do we respect the ideas of bin Laden? Of racists? Of people who think owning slaves is OK? We should respect everyone%26#039;s right to hold their ideas, but no one should respect ideas they don%26#039;t agree with.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Faith-based initiatives make me pay to propagate ideas that I don%26#039;t respect.%26quot;To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.%26quot; -Thomas Jefferson
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?YOU SUCK OBAMA BIN LADEN! STOP SUPORTING DEMOCRACY AND TERRORISMReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I don%26#039;t think we should try and involve more people in the democratic process. It is each individual%26#039;s responsibility to get involved themselves as opposed to some government program. They should want to get involved. We should not be thinking of ways to %26quot;get them to do it%26quot;.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Also I applaud you on this campain strategy of asking people their opinions to make it seem like your really a people%26#039;s canidate! It%26#039;s nice to no we have some like minded people like you in the democratic party who know how to campain! by 2009 you better be president!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Lately, I’ve become more apathetic about politics and even the country in general. In fact, I%26#039;m leaving the US for a few years for a break. However, I recently saw you on tv and actually sat and listened for a moment. Light at the end of the tunnel of apathy? Maybe.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I actually uttered %26quot;absentee ballot%26quot; a few days later. The simple act of asking this question is an awfully good way to begin the process of engaging people in this process. For the past several years, no one’s asked %26quot;the people%26quot; what we want, just %26quot;the money%26quot;. Thanks for asking.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?We need more education concerning the government before anyone can say that democracy does or doesn%26#039;t work for us. Fear breeds hate and hate breeds contempt. If you know your enemy then you are more prepared to fight.(figuratively speaking)Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Wow I like how you talked not about democratic GOVERNMENT, but its use in societyReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?This was the most foolish response imaginable.Keep it up. It%26#039;s a guarenteed loss for uou Barac
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How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Get Bush IMPEACHEDReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?No offense but I don%26#039;t want no muslim president.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Obama for PREZ!Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Mr.Obama you just lost my vote not only because you chose Rebecca W %26#039;s horrible pablum laced platitudes as the best answer But also because you didn%26#039;t take the time comment on it. A. Lincoln in the middle of the Civil War took to write to American citizens- that act revealed his characterReport Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?sorry bama you got a white issue that discounts you completely. next is your%26#039;re a politician. the other is you talk big but we all know what will happen if you get into office, nothing, like with all politicians.Report Abuse
How can we engage more people in the democratic process?That%26#039;s simple, by making our votes a possible way to finally get George W. Bush impeached. He is a greedy businessman and does not care about our country, nor our soldiers... All he cares about is foreign oil, and we%26#039;re the one%26#039;s paying for it.If we could actually make something like that happen, we%26#039;d know that our votes really do count...
Ergo we%26#039;d certainly be more apt to get involved with changing our country for its people, not its leader%26#039;s wallet.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Let voters know exactly how voting for each candidate will affect them personally, instead of focusing on broad %26quot;wedge%26quot; issues.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Stop boring them to death by commencing the presidential campaign two years prior to the election.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Why would we want to? If people don%26#039;t want to get politically involved let%26#039;s not urge them because they%26#039;re probably not very deep thinkers or willing to put in the time and effort to educate themselves to vote intelligently.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?As long as the masses are swayed by faulty rhetoric and unsubstantiated smear campaigns, it won%26#039;t do us much good to get more of them involved.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Make promises that are kept.
Give Special Interest Groups the boot and push for nationalized funding for canditates. People are sick of the favoritism.
Pork projects should become a thing of the past.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Maybe if a party presented a candidate that behaved as if he or she had read the Constitution, and would end all the programs that don%26#039;t appear anywhere in it, rather than run candidates that might as well use %26quot;Me, too!%26quot; and %26quot;More of the Same!%26quot; as their slogans.
Perhaps if there were more than two candidates, or if there were enough difference between them to justify the effort to vote.
Hey, dog, what part of the Constitution authorizes federal money to be spent for candidates? Matching funds is part of the problem, it helps ensure that only the two major parties get to participate in the charade.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Many people are blissfully unaware of the democratic process. If they knew what really makes the country run they would NEVER vote Democrat or Republican again!How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Show them how participating in government affects them on a personal level. 1) For example, show them how much it costs to build and maintain roads, or outfit and feed a soldier, or pick up trash. Most people take the services for granted, and expect both the federal and local governments to work for free. 2) Show the direct affect of desserting our public schools and public health care system by showing the burden a dropout or homeless person places on the taxpayer. We pay for it one way or another- we might as well go back to a system that works.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?I think we need to give people a personal stake in the process. I think most of us feel that we have little to no power. We all need to feel that we are important and that our opinions matter.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Ban Ads,make people research candidates. A computer can be used for more than spreading hate and division on yahoo. End the Electoral College,make peoples votes matter regardless of party.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The first thing I would suggest is to reestablish the people%26#039;s trust in government. Many people have lost trust in the system and this leads to apathy. After all, who wants to participate in a process that is viewed as flawed or biased? I, myself, have become disillusioned with our democratic process (as have many others I know). Many people just no longer believe that the government has their best interest in mind.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?First, we must renew faith in the democratic process. The last 7 years have alienated so many people and corrupted their thinking to the point that the vast majority of Americans have become cynical. Examine the 2000 and 2004 elections. They were riddled with controversy and questionable activities. People today are skeptical. They don%26#039;t think it makes a difference who%26#039;s in the White House. They clump all politicians into the same group. They%26#039;re like used car salesman always trying to sell you snake oil. One lie after another. One broken campaign promise after another.
The challenge is to convince people that their vote counts and that it can really make a difference. And this is going to be a tough sell. They%26#039;ve heard it all before and have turned a deaf ear to any politician regurgitating the same old rhetoric.
People need to believe that things can change. But our political process is so bogged down with bureaucratic red tape, corruption and scandals, that the vast majority of Americans may be beyond redemption. We need a candidate with fresh ideas, believable objectives, and the courage to admit it when they screw up.
It would be so refreshing to hear a candidate focus on their platform and what they can do for America rather than telling us what%26#039;s wrong with fellow candidates.
Republican or Democrat, they must sell the idea that democracy, true democracy is a blend of socialism and capitalism. We need a moderate who can successfully market the concept that somewhere in the middle ground between the left and right is where America should be.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?It would help if politicians could be trusted. And the best way to gains ones trust is an act of generosity on their behalf. I think proposing legislation to remove corporate and private donations, essentially cleaning up the system, would prove to the voters you are genuine and can be trusted.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?By ending the smear campaigns. Many people have become apathetic to politics because they are fed up with the negativity and mud slinging. We want to hear what the candidates CAN and WILL do, not a list of every crime against the other.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Restore their faith in Congress by providing concise information about the workings of the legislature. The past 6 years of inaction and obstruction were horrible, but Congresses%26#039; reputation is being further eroded as it begins to expose Executive branch wrongdoing. Every provision in a bill that benefits a particular legislator or district seems to be called an %26quot;earmark%26quot; or %26quot;pork.%26quot; Congressmen and Senators are being portrayed as craven creatures who trade votes on nationally important issues for this pork, and who %26quot;fish%26quot; and %26quot;grandstand%26quot; for purely selfish political motives.
All of this seems to feed cyncism and citizen apathy. I think we need to know something positive and informative about the work of Congress. For example, What is proper role of pork? and, How is the executive branch being investigated in a way that will have a positive impact for our country?How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Stop lawyers from running for the office of President!How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Great to have you here, Sen. Obama! Politicians answering questions on forums, and appearing at town meetings (even by video link) certainly will engage more people in the democratic process!
My questions:
What role should the government play in helping the poor and those struck by natural disasters?
When would you intervene in a foreign genocide/ethnic cleansing and what steps would you follow before sending troops?
Thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions!How can we engage more people in the democratic process?This question assumes that participation in democratic process if a matter of *choice* when in fact its a matter of *ability*. The first step should be to bring all people to equal *ability* to participate in the democratic process. With massive inequalities in education, standard of living, and access to resources - we are clearly not there yet. On one hand we have those who don%26#039;t even know whether they will get to eat tonight - worrying about voting in the mid-term elections is hardly on the top of their mind. On the other hand we have those who have paid millions of dollars to politician%26#039;s election campaigns to make sure that their needs are taken care of once the politician gets elected. Can this really be referred to as %26quot;the democratic process%26quot;?How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Teach people about the Electoral college and their vote doesn%26#039;t mean squat.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?By treating voters as though we can understand complexity, not as idiots who will buy anything if you have the right ten or fifteen word answer. How do politicians expect us to have faith in them when they repeatedly show they have no faith in us?
By not getting caught up in a rivalry (real or perceived) and making people think of you as the %26quot;Anti%26quot;-Whoever.
By not giving the press (of which I am a part) %26quot;conflict%26quot; to report on, but issues. Because the press will always go for conflict, if it%26#039;s there - it%26#039;s just easier.
By admitting when you%26#039;re wrong and taking steps to rectify the situation.
And, finally, by wearing really nice suits.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Hello Sen. Obama. I would say we need to start engaging youth in the school system at a young age. It needs to be an important part of the learning process.
Also, we might try giving them an extra deduction on their tax return for voting ;)How can we engage more people in the democratic process?First, you must be ready to engage your supporters at all times. America craves authenticity. Don%26#039;t allow your consultants to control every word or action of yours. Be yourself with all your weaknesses and strengths. By directly engaging your supporters, you%26#039;ll give a sense of ownership in your campaign to your supporters.
Also, learn to listen to people outside your inner circle. Don%26#039;t live in a campaign bubble.
Lastly, learn to campaign outside your comfort zone. I don%26#039;t remember the last time I heard a major national Democratic figure campaigning in Utah or North Dakota. There are Democrats in Utah and other deep red states with unique perspectives that can add to your campaigns%26#039; strengths.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?How about some debates between candidates before the primary.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?We%26#039;ll have to make the democratic process more engaging. As it stands our democratic process is pitched to those who are already rich and powerful, it%26#039;s more of an oligarchy than it is a democracy.
Here%26#039;s a few ideas.
Get rid of the electoral college system, one person one vote.
Make all elections publicly funded, we have to get the money out of the election process.
Allow equal participation of all legitimate political parties and candidates. Right now we%26#039;re complete tilted toward the two parties, and their cooperation in keeping everyone else out of the mix in all honesty kind of makes it a one party system. That needs to change.
Get rid of lobbing all together, you shouldn%26#039;t be able to buy access.
Perhaps if the system wanted more from people then just their votes they would be more inclined to participate.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Many people feel that the democratic process does not effect their lives. There is much discussion but little action regarding our main concerns. We don%26#039;t need to be told that we need healthcare reform. We need a bold leader to come forward with a plan that will help solve this problem that plagues our lives. Don%26#039;t tell us that we need reform in our public schools. We, as parents. deal with this problem on a daily basis. Let%26#039;s talk about what can be done. Let%26#039;s get excited about the future, and this will bring the citizens to the polls.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Great Britain is experimenting with a way to allow citizens to write their own petitions to the government (see URL below). It is called e-petitions. It would be a great way to get input from %26quot;the boots on the ground%26quot; in our own America. It takes so long, and is so frustrating, to see a problem and not have an opportunity to be involved in the solution. Most people just give up. There might be some way to develop it at the city, county, and state level.
Everyone says the wheels of progress move slowly. Well, that needn%26#039;t be the case in this day and age.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Public Funding of the Campaign. Took many times the person with the most money and not the person with the message wins. I%26#039;m so happy that you decided to seek Public Funding for the General Election.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?The short answer is to ask them.
The long answer is to get people to identify with you and the goal. Then have a variety of limited closed end volunteer job descriptions ready. ie the amount of time involved, the length of time involved and what is involved. Let the volunteer pick which one they want to do. You have to get to the point where the volunteer says: I can do that. Then give the volunteer a volunteer supervisor. Then the volunteer supervisor trains the volunteer for the job, meets with the volunteer on a regular basis, teaches the volunteer the democratic process and is available to the volunteer. Here is the key to keeping the volunteer. The volunteer has to learn something and experience personal growth.The democratic process has to be learned. It is generally outside of the experience of the volunteer. The home, school and employment generally do not provide a democratic experience. Volunteer organizations are usually the first experience people have with the democratic process. The Democratic Party is a good place to learn it. Provide the volunteer with a route for advancement. Recognize the volunteer%26#039;s achievements when it has been earned. Make sure they know they belong and that they are an important part of the cause.How can we engage more people in the democratic process?Education and demonstrating that an individual vote can make a difference.
People need to be inspired, and often it ends after they leave school. So many kids would vote if they could, because they have been taught about their importance and the significance of voting. When an individual leaves school, they tend to only be motivated when something they value is up for election, and even then some wonder, %26quot;why bother?%26quot;.
The voting process is confusing, electoral colleges, primaries, mid-term elections, people get lost in the jargon. Advertise elections and issues. So many people are unaware of what is being voted on in Congress or in their own communities.
Offer incentives like a tax deductible for voting. It sounds like a bribe, but why should people drive to the poll and vote sometimes leaving work early to make it especially with gas prices so high?
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