I realize it's quite a jump to say that watching American Idol (the first few each season) leads to thoughts of American History. Consider, for a moment, however, the genius idea that democracy was and is. Think of the brilliance our Forefathers exhibited in putting together a system where each person's vote counted and was equal to each other. Finally, a system of governing a country where the rich (or the traditionally powerful or the important families) could not lord over the average guy.
Sounds great, right?
Maybe back in the day, but not so much anymore.
Watch American Idol next time and realize this most disturbing of facts: if you take the time to inform yourself on the issues and candidates, care a great deal about the direction of the country, and cast a vote, your vote can be cancelled out by someone you see those 1st few episodes. Everytime I see those not-so-in-touch-with-reality folks, I think this: they (if they remembered to or knew where to vote) have as equal a say in deciding who is President as you or I do. Let's remember that the President of the United States is the most powerful person on the face of the earth (in other words, it's kind of a big deal). Could it be that this is what the Forefathers intended? Surely not. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing the U.S. or the idea of democracy or the right to vote. As I said before, it's one of the more brilliant, liberating ideas ever to come about and thousands of brave men and women have to died to secure and keep this right. But that's just it - it's so important, surely there must be a minimum standard or some basic requirements needed to exercise this.
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