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Are Americans able to fully participate in the democratic process?

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Results so far:

Yes
35% 6 votes Total: 17 votes
No
65% 11 votes
Yes

Yes. Let me start by discussing some of the criticisms that were mentioned by those who said no. I disagree with the idea that we are living in a dictatorship because of Super Delegates. Don't get me wrong, I dont like the idea of them. However, I have never heard of a Super Delegate voting in a manner that contradicted what his or her consituents wishes. Consider the fact that these super delegates are voted into their positions. If they acted in a way that was inconsistent with what their constituents wanted, they would lose their positions. It is true that they are capable of voting against the will of the people. I don't like that fact at all; however, thus far I have not learned of any Super Delegate who has done it.

One writer did mention that we are actually a Republic. I can't argue with that, we are. However, this in no way means that Americans are not able to fully participate in the political process (Yes I know the question says "democratic process" but no one has said yes yet, I'm doing the best I can). We can vote our representatives in and out of office. These representatives do not just get into office and forget the people who put them there, THEY WANT TO BE RE-ELECTED. Yes, there is a certain degree of corruption in our government. But if you are looking for a perfect government, you should try another planet. These representatives do take their constituents into consideration when voting on legislation.

There are so many things you can do to fully participate in America's political process. You can even run for office yourself if you don't like the options. You can organize groups to go and vote for the candidate you like, you can organize groups to write to your representative, you can sign petitions, write to newspapers, or you can simply vote. It's hard for an individual to sway an election, not because they are not participating in the process, but because there are a lot of other votes being counted and those voters may not agree with you. However, if that individual becomes active and organizes groups, they can get some great things done. Now, if you're saying that this is all too time consuming or too difficult to do, you have no reason to complain. You have the ability to fully participate, you simply choose not to.

I think it is great that we can come here and express our views. I respect the opinions of those writers who disagree with my perspective on this subject, they did have some excellent points and I hope that those who read this article will also read theirs. Some will disagree with me and some will agree. It's our right to diagree! If anyone has an example of a Super Delegate casting a vote that contradicts the will of the majority of his or her constituents, please discuss it here. It would be something that we should expose and discuss at length.

Learn more about this author, David Buffet.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.

No

First and foremost the words "democratic process must be defined.

If those words mean that every American has an equal say in what our government can or cannot do, the answer is a resounding "NO".

An example of this can be seen in the election process. When we are encouraged to get out and vote we would like to believe that our votes count but in reality, they don't. There are a few chosen states who have delegates with special powers. They have more votes per person than we do - these "Super Delegates" are the ones whose votes give a candidate the votes needed to go on to the Presidency - not our votes. That is totally wrong and there should be no "Super Delegates

No State should have that power to sway an election. It is our individual votes that should be electing the President - not the Electoral College and no one should be hoping to get the most super delegate votes that enable them to go forward in a campaign for President - our votes are the only things that should be used to vote in a Predident but that's not the way it's set up.

If Democratic process includes or should include the American people having a say in how our tax dollars are spent, once again, that's a big "NO" .

Our government spends money without any regard to the people whose money gives them the income to throw away any way they choose with the American public being unable to get a list of where the money went. Our government must be held accountable to us for anything they do but instead they are secretive about what they do and we have to put up with deception and lies from the President and Congress . This must change.

For a government "by the prople, for the people" we have no rights in having a say in what we want done or not done concerning taxes, wars, budget cuts that hurt the poorest of people and we should.

What we have is a dictatorship and a dictatorship does not believe in Democracy. Washington is rife with lobbyists who can buy the favors they want by putting out enough cash - is this a Democracy ? Not at all.

Americans have given up so many of our rights that we haven't any. It's time to turn this ship around and get more say in the Democratic process. Once that happens we may be able to get ourselves out of the mess we are in.

If I misinterpreted the question and have answered incorrectly, I apologize but the words "Democratic Process in an unknown word in America whether we speak of Presidential elections, budget cuts or anythin in between. There is no Democratic Process and never will be.

Learn more about this author, Megan O'Brian.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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