Onion: U.S. Inspires World With Attempt At Democratic Election
Wed Nov 03, 2004 at 07:02:01 PM PDT
We could all use a little humor every now and then, but especially now. Obviously, there are major problems with the way America handles elections. It is outrageous that we are still encountering problems that should have been taken care of long ago. I hope that one day we will actually have an election that goes smoothly, without fuckups by electronic voting macines, voter intimidation, and the likes.
As Jon Stewart has taught us, sometimes humor is the best way to ridicule the absurdities of the system. And we all know, there are a hell of a lot of them. And with all of the negative vibes about Bush's second term, I can say at lesast one positive thing about our situation. At least the Daily Show will have a lot of hilarous material to work with over the next 4 years.
With that said, I would like to share something funny, yet sadly true. It comes from the Onion. And it's below the fold.
U.S. Inspires World With Attempt At Democratic Election
A few snippits:
Considering such disputes, Salman said he was "touched and gladdened" that voter turnout for the U.S. election nearly approached voter-turnout rates for Afghanistan's first popular elections in October, when 69 percent of citizens cast ballots.
"True, voter turnout in many parts of the world tops 90 percent," Salman said. "But it's understandable that the rate is lower in countries such as Afghanistan, where the government has raised fears of possible terrorist attacks at the polls. Our people showed great courage."
The multinational watchdog group Organization for Security and Cooperation sent 600 official observers to monitor proceedings, from countries as disparate as North Korea, Syria, and China. Many reported that they came away deeply touched.
"To see a country with such overwhelming problems--problems that affect every last citizen--have so many of its voters feel that they can still influence their leadership... words fail me," said Dae Jung Kim, a North Korean OSC delegate. "Certainly, my report to my own government will emphasize this. I will recommend that my leaders implement such American election-time strategies and tactics as would fit the North Korean model of personal freedom, such as their elegant Electoral College and the inscrutable voting machine."
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