Brandon Chizum checks in again, this time taking WCW where it never goes ... politics:

Approximately four months stand between the American people and Election Day 2004, a period during which we will be exposed to a seemingly never-ending series of negative bantering between the Kerry and Bush camps, each party attempting to highlight the shortcomings of the “other” candidate. And in turn, it is probably a safe bet in Vegas that a smidgeon of the possible voting public will show up at the polls on Election Day in order to crown this great country’s next President.

I often wonder when the people of America decided to shun their politicians and give up on the democratic machine of this country. What was the turning force, and how can today’s elected once again garner the trust and support of the American people without a wry smile and questionable eye appearing across the face of each voter.

A snapshot into recent American voter turnout displays a glaring and increasingly greater decline in voting levers pulled and ballots cast. It seems as if the hope and will of Americans resides more within the possible efforts of themselves, as opposed to the assisting efforts of Uncle Sam’s outstretched hands. Why is there so much apathy in deciding who is to lead this country down the path to a future greatness? Are the candidates not laudable or worthy of our attention? Or have the recent political machinations of our presidential administrations seemed too diabolical or underhanded to truly benefit the people of this land.

I argue a little of both, but neither serves as the sentimental root for America’s disenfranchised voter.

Reflecting upon that beautiful subject we call history, my gaze comes to rest upon one incident that I feel serves as the impetus for the deterioration of the American voting disposition – the destruction of America’s Camelot, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

J.F.K.’s death destroyed the hope many had in the political framework of this country, and I believe opened the eyes of the American public to an evil that existed within the world of politics (albeit politics had perpetually owned a reputation for the uncouth, regardless). President Kennedy was a magnet for votes, and an unparalleled energy surrounded his candidacy well into his Presidency. He made citizens want to vote, and upon his encouragement, the voters turned out in droves. His was a more innocent time, certainly, but the election process today still remains true to prior form -- one person, one vote.

Such an effort is lost on much of the public today, unless an existing and ardent desire in the political landscape already resides within a voter. As time passes, the younger generations pull away from this beauty of a freedom, the “vote,” and as such, only a third of America’s voice is heard, a figure that is both pitiful and shameful. The greatest proportion of voters is who -- those above the age of 55. And why? Because these individuals realize how important it is to exercise the freedom fought for through debate and war, both on American soil and beyond.

America badly needs another John Fitzgerald Kennedy to spark the fiery nature within the American people. Until then, we’ll have to make due with the likes of those candidates who present themselves under a clean light but simply regurgitate edited messages and promises.

“The world is a dangerous place to live – not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” - Albert Einstein