By martinXPosted Thursday 23rd October 2008 00:48 GMT
I can't understand why USians, who seem to get the whole 'separation of church and state' thing, don't get the 'separation of powers' thing when it comes to the public service (aka Civil Service).
Here in Oz, politicians (i.e. anyone voted into office) are supposed to have a completely hands-off approach to how the public service carries out its functions. It doesn't always work but it's salient to note that all of the voter frauds I can think of have been carried out by political party members outside the Australian Electoral Commission. No-one has ever accused the AEC of voter fraud.
Another thing, what's with the obsession of signing up as a Democrat or Republican (or something else) from age 18. All that does is firmly ensconce people into one of two opposing camps (be quiet, Libertarians). I think it discourages swinging voting and encourage a team mentality with respect to how people view political parties ('my team is better than your team') rather than an examination of policies.
Unfortunately, politics in Oz is heading the US way and getting nastier all the time.
By Anonymous CowardPosted Thursday 23rd October 2008 09:00 GMT
I know that some call it the Internet Highway, but what will the Highway Patrol do? I hope they don't go round in their police cars catching speeding packets and telling them to slow down. I am imagining them holding a Stop sign.
By Anonymous CowardPosted Thursday 23rd October 2008 11:24 GMT
In most, if not all, US states the Highway Patrol is also the State Police and handles matters of a statewide nature. They have different departments for traffic safety, investigative functions and usually state level public office holder protection. In most states they are a fairly non-corrupt and professional policing unit.
As for the registering for a particular party, in some states, not sure how many, if you don't select a party you can't vote for anyone in primary elections, only general elections. Party selection at the time of voter registration also helps keep third parties out, the one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on. I would also say that people pick a party so they have a feeling of belonging, a very basic human need.
By Anonymous CowardPosted Friday 24th October 2008 20:08 GMT
Gee I've voted in elections since I was eligible (too many years ago) and I've never once had to register or sign up for a party. I just go to the polling place, show them my driver's licence and vote. I've even voted both sides of the ticket, democrat here, republican here. I've never ever known anyone that has voted straight down party lines, all my friends family vote on an individual basis. At any rate I don't live in Ohio, so I guess my states a bit more laid back. State laws govern elections in most cases and some states just do a better job of it then others.
By CybercorrespondentPosted Friday 31st October 2008 13:29 GMT
Questioning the American Bolshevik views
I am not surprised. They will break all rules to make communism a reality.
1. Is wealth redistribution taking money from stockholders and redistributing it to those who don’t pay taxes?
2. Is it more important to make sure that illegal votes are not disenfranchised or making sure that groups like ACORN do not nullify honest votes.
3. Would premature U.S. withdrawal from Iraq grand jihadists a victory and make all of our accomplishments, money spent and lives lost a big waist?
4. Can this country afford to grant socialist Democrats total control of the government and allow them to sacrifice our safety by cutting the military budget by 25%?
Now comes the big question. How do we stop socialism from ruining our lives?
The answer is simple. Don’t vote American Bolsheviks into power and boycott the socialist propaganda media into bankruptcy.
Comments on: Ohio elections website hacked as vote scuffle gets ugly
RETIRED FARMER #
By Anonymous Coward Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 00:12 GMT
Hands off the public service #
By martinX Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 00:48 GMT
Highway Patrol? #
By Anonymous Coward Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 04:41 GMT
Well, Thank God! #
By Jeff F. Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 05:38 GMT
Highway Patrol? #
By /\/\j17 Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 08:16 GMT
Internet Highway Patrol? #
By Anonymous Coward Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 09:00 GMT
Too late... #
By Mike Flugennock Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 10:42 GMT
A few answers #
By Anonymous Coward Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 11:24 GMT
Don't mock the Highway Patrol... #
By bws Posted Thursday 23rd October 2008 22:53 GMT
Party Member? #
By Anonymous Coward Posted Friday 24th October 2008 20:08 GMT
citizen #
By Cybercorrespondent Posted Friday 31st October 2008 13:29 GMT