Grace: A few more reader thoughts on voter turnout and earthquakes
Looking through my mailbag today, I found a few more reader responses to my queries about the low voter turnout in the primary and the recent earthquake:
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"When I reached the magical voting age of 21, I could hardly wait for the wonderful opportunity to vote and I ran up to the voting place to be third in line. And I am pleased to say at the age 75 I have taken every opportunity to vote. It has always dismayed me how many people do not get out to vote and especially in the primaries and local races. I have always felt that the local elections were so very important – these would affect us so much being closer to home, even more so than the national ones. We voted early this year but were dismayed to see such a low turnout then and later on Feb. 2, especially when the position of governor was at stake. We also were fortunate having met several of the men at a forum which was held in the area – but must also admit resenting the annoying "political" telephone calls."
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"After reading your letter on low voter turnout, I had to respond.
I vote on every occasion, but do know a fairly large number of people who don't. Their reasoning is, no matter who you vote for now days, things stay the same, no matter what office is being voted on. I admit to feeling this way, but I still vote to try and make what little change I can. I also [think] some of the same people are turned off by having to declare a party in the primary elections.
On paper, our governmental system is a great concept, but the ones who get elected no longer do it for the right reasons. It's all about self gain. The perfect example to me, is how elected officials are the ones who decide on their own salaries. I would have to say the greater majority of society does not have the same good fortune. I don't personally know anyone who does anyway.
All the public sees and hears are how each party blames one another for the shape our country is in. People on Main Street don't care who's to blame; we just want it fixed before there is no more Main Street. I am scared this country will become one of rich and poor, no more middle class. In my opinion, last week would have been a good place to start forcing the elected officials to do what's right for the country. They should have been locked inside at the State of The Union speech and not been let out until they came up with a solution that helps the public. I am tired of seeing banks and big corporations getting taxpayer money to keep doing what they want. Some should have been left to fail. How could these bailouts have been so needed, if they were paid back so fast? What happens when most companies go out of business? Another one comes along to take it's place!! I don't care what any 'expert' claims, it is that simple.
After working the same solid, sturdy job for 20 years, I was laid off in the blink of an eye. It was like someone flipped a switch as far as the company's business went. This was a company that had NEVER had a lay off in 40+ years. It is (was) in the construction manufacturing business and the Recovery Act has yet to do anything for us. In my adult life, all I have witnessed is the people running our government let us down time after time. Each time they do the worse it gets.
The simple meaning of our government is taught at a young and innocent age when were in school. If only it could have stayed that way. The people who have run the government are the ones responsible for making it so complicated and they should all be locked away for corrupting something that was fought so hard for,so long ago.
I know this is way more than what your article stated, but once you get started, it's hard to stop."
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"I read with interest the comments shared by some of your readers who chose not to vote. Although I have to agree that we end up casting a vote for the lesser of the two evils, this election proves that each and every vote counts and we should take advantage of that right whether it is a primary or general election. I was particularly disappointed in how Kane County compared to other counties – those same people who didn't take the time to cast their ballot will probably be the loudest complainers as we move toward the general election and beyond."
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"According the USGS Web site, the maps are showing that the town of Elburn felt this quake well. The town was in the middle of the smaller map that shows who felt it the most. I live in Elburn and there as nothing like it. It was scary. Some things were falling off shelves and my computer desk. As I said this morning on the news, it was a rude awakening and the house didn't just shake, it felt like it was swaying in the wind a lot. It lasted about 10 seconds and I thought I was dreaming until I realized everyone in the house woke up, my daughter was scared and the lights in all the houses in the neighborhood were going on. By 4:10 a.m., I was on the USGS Web site and it had confirmed the earthquake already. No injuries but although the quake was now just about 14 miles north of me, the south of the epicenter is who felt it the most and I was in the middle of it. It was scary for a bit there."
