Do you ever get the feeling all of this is one big dog and pony show?

[Taverner]

To make it look like we have some kind of choice?

Even if we do have a choice on election day - Corporate America owns the media, the three branches of the government, the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the banks and everything else.

I am beginning to think McCain will win, not because he campaigned better or did something illegal but because those counting the votes, those reporting on the results, those in both parties will tell us so. I get the sick feeling that Obama knows this, McCain knows this and all of the Senate, House and government know this. They are just going through this because they want to continue the charade that we have a choice, and wow - the US just voted to send all their money to the rich. Who woulda thunk?

Someone counter my pessimism. I need some reason here.

[tannybogus]

1. Woof! nt

[Qutzupalotl]

2. Look at how hard Hillary and Obama fought for the nomination.

If they knew they'd lose, why would she have gone so far into personal debt? Why would he tour the country so extensively? No, we're aiming to win.

[Taverner]

5. I hope to FSM thats the case

[HughBeaumont]

3. I wish I could.

I think they keep doing this because they know our timid, mice-like citizenry will never collectively storm the White House or their offices and drag them through the streets. We take orders and hope for the best. That's the way we all are.

I think if McClown gets elected, there's going to be rioting and unrest and possibly a mild Left vs Right civil war. The only problem is, we'll all be going after the wrong people.

[willing dwarf]

4. Well no, we don't know

We used to have real reasons to trust that we the people were running the country, but now we have so much evidence that we are not running the country, that it's all in the hands of multi-national corporate interests...but there's still lots of reason to care and push for change where we can.

Often, by asserting what is good, small gains are made that keep the worst from developing. LWas it Einstein who said, evil will prevail if the good people do nothing. So Dog and Pony Show aside, you can still try and push and hope and fight and speak out. So press on!

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. It is a dog and pony show

sorry

If there was choice, we'd have elections where all candidates are on the ballot during the primaries, and no corporate media prevents them form going to the debates or running adds

Did I just suggest public financing and lack of control for the corps of who gets to run adds and when?

[Cleita]

Yes, because the choice was made for us some time ago.

However, there could be an upset providing our side shows up in overwhelming numbers and they can't cheat again. Of course, Bush may try to impose martial law and other ruses to keep Obama from being inaugurated in January. This however, would expose them for what they are and hopefully will backfire.

[kath]

7. I'm with you.

I'm thinking more and more that we have only the illusion of a democracy. All a charade, as you put it.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

8. It's been a dog and pony show down through history that why it's

called politics, it's also a art form.

[Taverner]

9. Oh I know there's always the grandstanding and what not

I'm worried that my votes go into a black hole and no one counts them, and then some asshole reads the numbers that were modified, based on turnout, that wow, Mccain won.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

10. Just like the last two.

[Taverner]

11. Yes - exactly like the last two

But this time they learned their lesson from 06 and will adjust accordingly

[Golden Raisin]

12. I feel that way alot.

As if it's all some grotesque charade. The last 7 years the entire dog & pony process/aspect has accelerated greatly.

[MJW]

13. I have the feeling deep in the pit of my soul

that you are right


I just don't think the American people will elect a black president

so damn sad

lest you misunderstand my post, I fully support Obama

[Phred42]

14. If Insane McCAin 'wins' we will KNOW that our Democracy is over

and Has been. THAT is how we will know.

[lynettebro440]

16. Totally agree Phred42

if they can pull off a steal in 2008 then why the hell try. if the people don't wake up and get violent and angry pretty much this is life, and for some of us, we will die in this insanity without ever really seeing the truth be told. pretty fucking sad.

[alarimer]

15. Yes. One corporation or the other.

Everyone is so beholden to various large corporations these days; it's really disheartening. I'm thinking that I just don't really give a rat's ass, especially if the VP is some other corporate, DLC shill.