A Tale of Two Elections ; Voting in Afghanistan and America

Summary

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Americans like to think of their democracy as a model of inspiration, a shining City on a Hill, a beacon of hope for the disenfranchised of the world. But the shining model has become a bit beat-up around the edges. There were those of us who foolishly hoped that the 2004 presidential election would restore the shine that was lost in the 2000 election, but the signs right now are not promising. The legal and political posturing is in full swing throughout the land.

"The 2000 recount was more than a national embarrassment; it left a lasting scar on the American psyche," writes Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund in his new book, "Stealing elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy." Many Americans are convinced that politicians can't be trusted to play by the rules and will either commit fraud or intimidate the voter. Some 38 percent of American voters still think that the Florida outcome in the 2000 election is in question, and 44 percent believe the mess could be repeated. Our voting morale is low. The United States ranks number 139 out of 163 nations in the world in terms of voter participation.

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A Tale of Two Elections ; Voting in Afghanistan and America

Does this have an effect on elections in other countries? What difference does it make to the world if we have to have court rulings on our elections, and if hordes of law...

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