Letting Your Voice Be Heard
There are 44 million eligible voters age 18-29 in the United States today. That fact alone makes arguing the insignificance of the youth vote incomprehensible. That 44 million is both the largest and most diverse generation in US history, having more than doubled in size since 2004, and representing one fifth of the total electorate. Over the past eight years, we, as young people, have also shown our devotion to political awareness and activity and have grown our turnout numbers every election cycle by a larger margin than any other age group.
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There is little political outlet for the average income individual. One vote rarely if ever determines an election. Before it even gets this close, the actual vote count is usually dismissed; and an already existing government body determines it. Thus, the individual needs more than a vote - he needs influence over already-elected officials, both for his vote to matter, and to influence policy (which SHOULD actually be the same thing).
For the rich man, he may be able to buy influence, legally or illegally. Direct bribes would be one way. Large-scale campaign contributions are another. Hiring lobbyists (people who are licensed to legally directly bribe congressmen) is another. Such avenues are closed to the average man.
Ultimately, congressmen will only respond to one thing - personally enriching them. Single votes don't matter to them, because elections are rarely if ever decided by such. Nor do they have time to really listen to each voter. They will respond to offers to deliver high volumes of votes to them or significant funds for ads which will deliver high volumes of votes. And they will respond to bribes.
The average American's best shot of success is to find an issue or two that has a broad interest and organize with similar-minded people in that area. If the issue lies between potential candidates, this group can become a swing voter bloc that will influence candidates. If not, it can be a potential fundraiser, which will deliver other voters to that candidate through advertisements.
The only way an individual can otherwise influence politics is by being an intellectual leader, who can steer large volumes of votes through his words. Usually these people prefer to run for office, however.
If McCain had associated with unrepentant abortion clinic bombers... would anyone vote for him ?
If not... why will anyone vote for Obama ?
Because this is the double standard that we live by. People will do whatever it takes to bring down someone they don't like without thinking of what will happen in the future. I do agree with you. Why vote Obama if you would not vote McCain if he had done this?