Since WE Asked: Political conventions - August 8, 2004

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2004-09-10

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55 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, September 10, 2004   Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   Tempo   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   SPECIAL SECTIONS   Since We Asked   Outdoor Journal   Prime Times   Wellness Connection   Readers' Choice   Real Estate Showcase   Joy Magazine   Homelife Magazine   Wedding Guide   Rogue Valley's Finest   EXTRA   Newspaper in Education   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad  eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit   Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 8, 2004 Since WE Asked: Political conventions The Democrats had their say in Beantown last month; now it’s the Republicans turn later this month in the Big Apple. Hey, it’s never too early to start inflating those balloons, right? We asked: "Do the Democratic and Republican national conventions still serve a useful purpose, or are they overrated as part of the presidential election campaign?" Advertisement You answered: The Democratic and Republican national conventions are a joke and are solely geared at bashing opponents and pandering for votes. Politics has been reduced to a popularity contest often won by who contributes the most money. One of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson did not believe in "begging" for votes and would have been appalled at the way campaigns are conducted today. I feel that the national conventions are a waste of time and money. — MichaelN., Shady Cove Nah, they’re preachin’ to the choir. It’s just a good time to party hearty and pat each other on the backs. — Patti I., Medford John Kerry’s magnificent acceptance speech proved how important, uplifting and motivating conventions can be. Bush’s speech will no doubt prove the opposite.— Darryl E. Eagle Point Delightful, pure Americana, tarnished nowadays, unfortunately, by journalistic mud-slinging. — Judith S. , Medford (The) Democratic convention served as inspiration for me. I am unemployed, and Help is On the Way! — Diane M., Ashland They are a part of each parties campaign retoric and serve no usefull purpose.— Buckley M., Medford The two-party system is greatly overrated for this purpose. — Robert C., Medford Political parties and conventions are of NO use except to raise money!!! Instant communication has made them completely obsolete, subverting the will of the people. — Gene T., Medford This week’s question Ah, the Summer Olympics. Every four years nations gather in the pursuit of individual and team athletic excellence. This year, a doping scandal and threats of terrorism are added into the mix. But bring on the Games, we say! We ask: "The 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens begin this week. Do you plan to watch the coverage, and if so, what events will you follow?" Please keep your responses brief and on point. Responses without your name and town can not be considered for publication. You may use the form here on the Web site, or e-mail answers directly to [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback   ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities