So if a vast majority against the bailout doesn't know better and is irrelevant...

[JackRiddler]

Why should the majority be relevant in an election? Others may presume to know better, and fix it accordingly.

Democracy RIP! If there was such a thing, last night's debate would have between Paulson and Kucinich concerning the bailout plan -- and a vote would have been delayed for another month, while a national debate on it was conducted, with all views given a voice and a platform.

[JDPriestly]

1. Obama needs to get out there and talk about our choices

and what he will do differently. The American people want those on Wall Street who caused this mess to pay and to be punished. I was out talking to people last night. Middle class, quiet people are very angry. I don't talk to crazy people. I talk to only a few really young kinds. I'm talking to housewives and guys in suits, well educated people who are not all that poor. That is because I am tabling in a very middle class neighborhood where people live so their children can go to the best schools. America is mad about the economy, really mad. In my life in America, I have not seen people so interested in politics. They are watching what is going on closely.

[JackRiddler]

2. Obama will not do this...

Unless millions take to the streets first in ways that force the issues on to the agenda. Don't expect any politician to do this in advance.

[Winterblues]

3. That is why we have a Republic instead of a Democracy I guess.

We elect these people to make these hard decisions for us. They are supposed to have all the information at their fingertips and be much more knowledgeable than the average joe. I sometimes wonder how true that really is..

[JackRiddler]

4. Yet this Republic is also a representative democracy...

Except when we collectively stop caring about how we are represented. Once every few years, as happened this week, won't cut it.

[JackRiddler]

5. kick

[JackRiddler]

6. kick