"(((Yes, you claim to be the greatest democracy in the world, yet the majority of you fail to exercise that right for one hour, one day, every four years.)))"
The reason why many Americans don't vote as much is because so many of them have developed little trust for the politicians, especially after Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. Before, it was considered good to trust politicians and participate in the process.
After the late 1960's, a culture of rebellion started, and it really hasn't ended, only mutated. Many Americans are simply skeptical, and feel that no matter who they vote for, nothing will improve. I would like to note that 2004 had an especially high turnout, though, because for some, the widespread hatred of Bush, or for others, the fear of terrorists, and the belief that Bush was the best. The mainstream Democrats made a huge mistake in nominating John Kerry, whom the Republicans were easily able to portray as a Frankenstein, because of his appearance, and also as a flip-flopper. It is so easy to dig up dirt on a former Senator or congressperson, due to the fact that they have to make numerous compromises to be able to get bills passed.
The democrats were basically portraying themselves as 'Conservative-lite', a huge mistake, due to the fact that Republicans are the full-blown real deal. They should have followed the examples of Al Franken, Michael Moore, and Howard Dean; follow your ideals without compromise. Because the Democrats failed at this, the Republicans with the help of FOX news, NBC Hardball and Sinclair Broadcasting were able to potray the Democrats as sissy tag-alongs.
Because the Democrats were portraying theselves as 'Conservative-Lite', many American people felt that things were going to be practically the same as with Bush. The lack of political participation is not completely due to apathy, but more related to disgust for the process.
Yes, I have visited Europe. I went with a high school class to Amsterdam in the Netherlands (yes, we went to the red light district) Germany(Berlin, Weimar, Wittenburg, Dachau Concentration Camp, Rothenburg, Munchen) and Austria(Salzburg plus the mines that go between countries). I noticed quite a number of differences, for example, European breakfests are quite a unique meal from American ones; there seemed to be more of the 'Bohemian' culture present than in the USA; Few to no sub-urban towns, everything being city or country (due to scarce resources) trains were faster and more frequently used; people paid far more for their cars than americans do, while living in smaller dwellings; food is much more expensive; Pornography is more frequent, as well as gambling. Toilet paper there, for some reason, is much rougher. The Audobon (don't feel like checking for accurate spelling) sets no speed limit; and Europeans drink more alcohol, smoke more often, but somehow are healthier than Americans. Drinking also starts at a younger age, but there are fewer road fatalities, including DWI related. Foreign language classes have a higher priority there as well.
If you are going to visit the USA, please try to visit both 'Blue States' as well as 'Red States'. You will notice quite a cultural difference between the two types.
