TODAY is our ELECTION DAY 2012!
TODAY is our ELECTION DAY 2012!
IF you have not yet voted, I hope you will go to the polls to VOTE TODAY! I voted early taking advantage of the in person absentee voting on the FIRST day of that voting day: Monday, October 22, 2012. I think “early” voting is more and more convenient and therefore more and more popular. What should we do to encourage more US CITIZENS to VOTE?
EARLY VOTING - I myself think OREGON has the optimal voting system: VOTE-BY-MAIL! If you want to learn more about the OREGON system, I recommend the Wikipedia feature article, “Vote-by-mail in Oregon.” Why NOT use “vote-by-mail” in WI?
SALUTE to the Wisconsin State Journal for its valuable website to provide VOTERS with information directly from the candidates with the purpose of informing voters! I explored the Journal’s excellent resource, “Get informed, then go and vote” this morning.
YOU are able to access the website and by identifying YOUR ADDRESS you will be taken to the webpages for the candidates on YOUR ballot. Try it; I think you too will find it valuable.
And, once again, IF you need practical VOTER information, use this link to our Government Accountability Board’s “Voter Information Central.”
This interactive online website links to the basics so that YOU can double-check on the LOCATION of YOUR polling place, check on your voting history, see a sample ballot for YOUR polling location, verify your registration to vote, etc. I was amazed as I explored the “Voter Information Central.” Take a look!
I am not sure whether the video feature was on that website earlier, but this morning I noted the video, “Voting 101 Back to Basics Video.”
Take a look. COMMENDATION & THANKS to our Government Accountability Board for its conscientious work to help WE THE PEOPLE of WI vote as informed citizens!
I had planned to take a day off from my WE THE PEOPLE blog today, but several articles changed my mind since I think TODAY there is more attention to the ELECTION PROCESS. I HOPE SO! I think we need to carefully evaluate and REFORM our election process to make it more democratic. What do YOU think?
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorialized, “Let’s level playing field before the next election.”
The reality of the HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY spent on the 2012 campaigns raises major concern both economically and ethically, as I see it.
I would join those who consider the US Supreme Court Decision “Citizens United” (2010)to be one of the worst decisions in the court’s history. The majority decision reflects a naiveté which is stunning! The tsunami-like wave of $$ would NOT undermine the quality of our election system?!
If you want to read more about the Supreme Court Decision, I suggest Wikipedia's feature article, "Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission."
I do NOT agree that MONEY and FREE SPEECH are the same! I do NOT agree that “CORPORATIONS” are persons! Do YOU? Explain to me, please. I shall read every comment.
IF you are ready to step back from the 2012 Election cycle and take a long-look about the future of our American political situation, I urge you to read Fareed Zakaria's OpEd article in the TIME (Nov. 12, 2012 issue), "Breaking the Deadlock: Taming a dysfunctional political system will be the next President's first priority."
Incisive analysis of the current situation in our American political system!
Did YOU know that ABRAHAM LINCOLN was elected US President on this date in 1860? I was interested to see the “On This Day” feature on the New York Times’ homepage: “On Nov. 6, 1860, former Illinois congressman Abraham Lincoln defeated three other candidates for the U.S. presidency.”
It was VERY meaningful and helpful to read through the feature articles on Lincoln in the November 5, 2012 issue of TIME.
For me, the MOST significant article was David Von Drehle's "Lincoln to the Rescue: What the master politican of 1862 can teach the Presidential hopefulls of 2012." I urge you to read it!
Most readers of my blog know that I am one of those who studies Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the “Patron Saint” of WASHINGTON SEMINAR! The Seminar started and concluded at THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL with citation of the closing challenges of THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS. It is my understanding that THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL is still the place where the Seminar field study starts and closed under the leadership of JOE VAN ROOY.
NOW, I am really excited to see Steven Spielberg's movie, "LINCOLN" which opens on Friday (11/09). If you want to see the trailer, it is available on YouTube. Use this link, "Lincoln."
I am a member of the Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin. You may want to findout more about the fellowship - use this link to the website, "The Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin." I am looking forward to the ANNUAL MEETING of the Fellowship at THE TALLMAN HOUSE on Saturday, April 13, 2013. OPTIMAL location!
I HOPE you vote in our 2012 Election! The countdown continues and I follow the GAB’s OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN regularly. As I post this on my blog – the countdown is: 0 Days – 1 Hours – 28 Minutes – 11 Seconds. If you want to check on the countdown NOW as you are reading WE THE PEOPLE blog, use this link, “Voter Information Center” posted by our WI Government Accountability Board.
VOTE TODAY if you have NOT voted early!
Here we go…
Mr. E.
John Eyster lives in the Edgerton area. He is an adjunct professor of political science at UW-Waukesha and an advocate for democracy/civics education in Wisconsin high schools. John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Nov 8, 2012 at 2:15 p.m.
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nope- not even A TeACHer!!
Nov 6, 2012 at 5:52 p.m.
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"Lincoln was the “Patron Saint” of WASHINGTON SEMIANR! "
Does anyone proofread before publishing?
Nov 6, 2012 at 2:12 p.m.
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check your local listing!!
"The film is scheduled for limited release on November 9, 2012 and wide release on November 16, 2012 in the United States by DreamWorks St"
Nov 6, 2012 at 1:53 p.m.
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"Why NOT use “vote-by-mail” in WI? "
you can it is called "mail me an absentee ballot"
sigma- lol- one was voting this am in pjs- off the couch maybe? Hey just a guess since cannot wear pj's to work!
Nov 6, 2012 at 1:47 p.m.
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My vote is to get rid of your blog. Why must evey one be a novel???
Nov 6, 2012 at 12:54 p.m.
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Ya... I see the democrats are leading. Untill all the republicans get off of work and vote. HA!
Nov 6, 2012 at 12:18 p.m.
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Irregardless of the election and who wins, we as Americans need to come together and get the money out of politics.
Money only ensures endless annoying ads and viewpoints from extremist groups.
Neither party benefits from unchecked cash buying false and misleading influence.
Propaganda is what we get from Citizens United and the Political Action committees...end the bucks for BS...Support Move To Amend.
Nov 6, 2012 at 10:48 a.m.
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Some comments: Lincoln defeated 3 Candidates. Not a race between just a far left and far right 2 party system (although imo Romney is a RINO). Yes, Today is OUR election day. That OUR would include Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. By the same token, WE THE PEOPLE should include all 3 groups although you have a right to your title and for your blogs to only favor one of the 3 groups. Agree with the excess money. For the first time this year, I did not include $3 on my taxes for campaign fund because the major candidates do not use it anyway so I figured my $3 was better off elsewhere. Would like to see change to electoral college system (at least allotted by percentage each candidate got in each state) so candidates would have to work to represent all 50 states and seek votes in all 50 states instead of 10 states deciding the fate of 50. That, of course, will not happen as politicians would have to change state constitutions and they are not going to change it if it hurts their party. Would also like to see term limits and House term extended to 6 alternating years like Senate so politicians are not constantly running for reelection and spend more time worrying about our country. That will also not happen as Constitutional Admendment has to be passed by Congress before being ratified by the states. Career politicians are never going to give us that chance. Fundraising, if not already started, will start tomorrow for the 2014 elections. Just my thoughts on this election day.
Nov 6, 2012 at 9:36 a.m.
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"poll watchers?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neGbKHyGu...
Nov 6, 2012 at 9:20 a.m.
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I have never missed an election from the day I was eligible,
no matter how large or how small.
We will be watching the polls very closely
for any signs of harassment by self-appointed "poll watchers".
Nov 6, 2012 at 8:36 a.m.
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Best quote pertaining to the election I found so far -
-
"Choosing which candidate to support is like choosing what STD is best for me".
Nov 6, 2012 at 7:22 a.m.
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This is one of the greatest days in this wonderful country we live in.
A chance to truly voice your opinion that MEANS something.
I urge all of you to get out and vote, for the candidate of YOUR choice.
While I complain as much as the rest do on these blogs about the choices (or lack of) that we have....I am proud to say I voted in this election.
You need to do the same.
Nov 6, 2012 at 6:09 a.m.
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TrueTheVote ELECTION DAY Election Integrity Hotline: 855-444-6100
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