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Lack of participation threatens democracy

Mark S. Bromley Norwich

Publication: The Day

Published 05/28/2012 12:00 AM
Updated 05/25/2012 05:12 PM

Democracy in America has a major problem. We do not have enough of the eligible voters interested in what happens for future generations.

For example, Congress has an approval rating under 20 percent. That is, however, the percentage of approval of the majority of eligible voters who elected them into office. That represents a voter turnout under 40 percent.

In a democracy, if the majority wants to have an easier lifestyle, with rules and regulations and fiscal policy good for the majority, they must vote for those running for these principles. It may take a few elections, but those representing only specials interests, not the general public, will eventually not get re-elected.

Politicians will do whatever their constituents want because they want to get re-elected. They cannot get benefits, not make connections through the revolving door, without remaining in office.

Special-interest groups have been getting their voters out, and their way, since the 1980s. They run ads, whose main purpose is to get the voting public disgusted with politics and to keep them from voting. A democracy only works for the people if they vote.

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