Carlin - I think you're dead on about the American public's wish to cleave to the center. In general, the majority of people do not want radical change in their life. The desire for serious systemic change is almost always called for by people living on the fringes - or those (like our non-American friends) who will not be directly effected by the upheaval. Revolutionary times are tough to live through and you never know what things will be like when you emerge from the other end of the tunnel. Look at the so-called "Reagan Revolution" for examples of unintended effects of good intentions (genocide in "free" Eastern Europe and the savings and loan debacle, for starters).

What I venture as my opinion here is stated with all respect to everyone who has posted to these threads. I do value others opinions, even if I might not agree with them. I also feel in my bones that there are others who are paying attention to these discussions, but not posting. Not posting doesn't mean not caring. I think, at times, you can say the same for not voting. If you look at the voting numbers, you don't get high turnout for elections where there is no clear and decisive choice on an issue of great importance. And as much as the issues are "important" to we who post "and we who vote", to the vast majority there is little choice and little reason to worry about who eventually gets elected. If the American public votes in Bush and he starts to engineer great changes in the fabric of society, you can look forward to a return to a Democratic congress in two years. The "ship of state" may rock, but we won't let it get tilted far enough to tip over.

This being said, do I think there is no reason to vote? Not at all. Let me gently suggewt once more that you read the articles cited. There are real differences between these men. If you're undecided, quit blaming it on the campaigns of these candidates. Do a little research. Get some real data (not just your gentle posters' opinions). Then make a choice.