[Tublecane]

“The U.S. prides itself as the beacon of democracy”

Certain citizens thereof have, especially for the last century or so. But we are not a democracy, or didn’t used to be. We wouldn’t benefit from being more democratic, quite the contrary.

[boatbums]

If the United States prides itself as a Beacon of Freedom, then that means people have the freedom NOT to vote if they don't want to. Nobody is prohibited from voting as long as they meet the limited requirements so, by that same token, nobody can be forced to exercise that right either.

I have the right to buy cigarettes and alcohol, and the government gains tax revenues when I do, but can they FORCE me to buy those things? I have the right to own and operate a car. The government gains tax revenues if I want to drive that car - sales taxes, licenses, registration fees, insurance, fuel, etc., but should they be allowed to FORCE me to drive or own a car? I could go on...but just like the health insurance mandate before the USSC right now, there MUST be limits on the powers of government. ESPECIALLY this current administration!

Whatever they can do to advance their socialist agenda until January 21, 2013, when the new administration is sworn in, they will do and, once they do it, it may be almost impossible to back it out. Obama is in "death by a thousand cuts" mode right now because he knows his days are shortened and the end is near for him. If he is NOT stopped at every one of these points, we will need decades, if ever, to undo his damage.