I am what you would call a "disaffected" voter - one of those people who is certain that, no matter who gets elected, the following will continue to be true:
}* Money will buy influence
}* I will pay the salaries of people who spend 90% of their time trying to get re-elected
}* Nothing my government ever does will cause me to stop and say "Wow, what a fucking awesome idea!" (without sarcasm)
Even with Obama, I'm expecting all of that to be true, BUT I will begin to suspect that, if I get more involved in my community politics, and show my daughter a good example, and make a big deal about how important civic engagement is, then perhaps in a few generations, there will be a wow moment, money will buy more schools than favors, and politicians will spend at least 19% of their time doing the people's business. Call me a giddy optimist.
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