Personally, I think that to be a politician, you have to win the support of the people, no matter where you are. Since people in general are not very intelligent when in groups (no offense, since the Mudcat is like a group, and everyone here seems intelligent to me), it stands to reason that they would be attracted to other people that lack intelligence. This led to so-called democracy. So-called because less than half of the eligible voter in America are registered, and less than half of the registered voters actually vote--not exactly a full democracy. The American government has inspired a lot of apathy in people, and the people who do vote are either people who really care and want to make things better for everyone, or selfish people who are determined to get their own opinions shoved down everyone elses' throats come hell or high water. On the other hand, those who don't vote have no right to complain--if you study up on the issues and people ahead of time, it only takes a few minutes to do. Also--if you don't like the Republican or Democratic candidates, DON'T VOTE FOR 'EM!! There are dozens of other parties out there that you might agree with, and look on the bright side: even if your candidate doesn't win, every vote that doesn't go for Bush or Gore goes against them. No vote is ever wasted. . .

Peace--Keli