Sasha Abramsky

from Nashville

Last night, I talked to a crowd -- a large, enthusiastic, crowd, at Busboys and Poets, in D.C. The question was raised "given all the other problems in society, and given the flaws in the electoral system, does voting really matter?" I think the answer is a profound "yes." For all its flaws, the electoral system in this country DOES offer an entry-point into the policy debate, into basic discussions about how we want our society to be run.

Traveling around the country, I've long been struck by the disconnects present here. People care about pocketbook issues and cultural issues, but they oftentimes don't connect the dots and actually get out and vote. Re-establishing that connection is, I think, crucial to restoring health to the democratic system.

Sure, it's not a panacea; and, yes, unfortunately, even when people do vote an awful lot will still have their expectations unmet. BUT... it's foundational. With the vote there's no guarantee things will work out right politically; but if large sections of society opt out of the political process you can be pretty sure their voices won't be heard.

Tonight I'm reading in Nashville, Tennessee, n a state with one of the most restrictive franchises in the country. Then onto Texas...

Sasha Abramsky.

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Posted at 4:24 PM, May 11, 2006 in
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