What? Andy Rooney is left of center. And his diatribe wasn't against those who didn't vote, it was against uninformed voters. I quote, "If you don't read a good newspaper, you shouldn't vote." Frankly, if someone is still an undecided in this election, it seems to me that they are not digesting enough information to make an intelligent choice. Additionally, there are millions of other voters who are solid red or blue for the wrong reasons. What's the quote from Churchill? Something like "Any argument for democracy can be undermined by a ten minute conversation with the average voter." That was Rooney's point. As a solid Dem, I have no problem with him. He's earned the right to say whatever he damn well pleases.

While it's easy for those of us who are wonkish in nature to immediately write off anyone who has tuned out, I choose not to. Everytime one of these pundits goes off on a diatribe about how the common man doesn't deserve their democracy, we run the risk of destroying everything that this country stands for. While I agree that there are many within the electorate who are probably not stable enough to make an informed choice, I don't think that it's my right nor anyone else's to say that their choice should be taken away. I'm not saying Andy Rooney shouldn't be allowed to say what he wants, but that doesn't make him right or responsible. Also remember - low voter turnout = Republican victories.

You shouldn't have to be "wonkish" to cast a thoughtful and informed vote. I do not think he was advocating taking away the common man's right to vote, he was asking those people who are going to cast their vote according to a haircut to self-edit. (My grandmother's neighbor is voting Bush because she hates Teresa Kerry's hair -- not first lady enough I guess) Now, I understand your point, but our democracy is mere lip service without an informed electorate. As a rule an ignorant polity will smilingly hand over their authority to anyone who peddles the right snake oil. Asking those who KNOW they do not know enough to abstain is not so outrageous.

You are right though about low voter turn out.

Remember though, our constitutional framework should temper viewing America as some idealistic democracy. We are a Republic. Only representatives make law and the electoral college was designed to protect us from ourselves. I am rambling. I guess, even at 29, these days are making me as grumpy, cynical, and frustrated as ol' Andy. Take care.

I don't disagree with the principle of what you're saying - that those who don't bother to be informed recuse themselves. However, in my experience those who would not vote because they're not informed would just as easily take the hour or two to look into the beliefs of each candidate and make an informed decision. Everyone makes out the process to be so difficult, but it's really easy to grasp - any newspaper, news network, or website lays out where each candidate stands. The information is there, and I say let's encourage people to be informed - not to totally drop out.