Elections in the 1800s were very different than today's so I went searching for material that would explain the differences.  Here are some interesting facts:

1. Limited Voter Eligibility: Surprisingly, in the early 1800s, only a small portion of the population could vote—typically white male property owners over the age of 21. This excluded women, most non-white individuals, and white men who didn’t own property. It wasn’t until the 1820s-1830s that most white men gained voting rights through the removal of property requirements. When you look at it this way, we have come a long way in our efforts to change society. Imagine a world where women and people of color could not vote. It would be very different. 
2. Party Rivalries and Political Change: The early 1800s saw the emergence of America’s first political parties, the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. We didn't even have Republicans and Democrats. 
3. Voting by Voice or Public Ballots: Many states held elections with public, not secret, ballots. In some cases, voting was done openly by voice. This lack of privacy made voting highly visible and could lead to intimidation or social pressure. Now that is interesting, I can't imagine voting not being private. 
4. Influence of Newspapers and Pamphlets: Newspapers were highly partisan and served as mouthpieces for political parties, often publishing vicious attacks against opponents. Campaigns relied on these newspapers and pamphlets, as well as public speeches and debates, to spread their messages. Well, that hasn't changed much. 
5. Different Voting Process and Electoral College: The process of voting was often indirect, as state legislatures appointed electors to the Electoral College rather than having a direct popular vote for president in many states. The role of the Electoral College was much more central, and elections could end up being decided by Congress, as was the case in the election of 1824, where Andrew Jackson lost despite winning the popular vote. Think Hillary Clinton. In addition, three more won the popular vote and lost the presidential election. Oh, and dangling chads for Al Gore.
6. Less Regulation and More Disorder: Early elections could be chaotic and even violent, with reports of riots, physical fights, and coercion at polling places. Additionally, voter fraud was not uncommon, with incidents of people voting multiple times or casting fraudulent ballots. Ah, fraud. That hasn't changed much. Collection boxes set on fire, missing votes found and lost and found again. Oh, and then they lost them for good. 
7. Local Celebrations and Public Events: Election Day often felt like a public festival. People gathered in town centers, and voting was a social event with parades, speeches, and sometimes even food and alcohol. It was a mix of civic duty and social gathering, reinforcing local community ties. 

The country has changed albeit slowly and it has remained the same as well. Women and people of color can vote without restriction thank God. In addition, it wouldn't be unusual to form a different party, as you can see it has been done in the past. So, if you are dissatisfied by our current choices, there are options. I like the idea and honestly miss voting day when everyone went to their precinct and voted. You saw neighbors and friends and it was a lot more fun. I get that voting by mail is easier, but it also negates the sense of community you feel while standing in line. 

I have always felt that since we give federal holidays away like candy nowadays, maybe we could make voting day a holiday. But then, no one listens to me, even when I have a great idea.  Because voting is the most important thing we can do for our country, and it is not a federal holiday.  That does not make sense to me and never has. 

I no longer trust the media and that is sad to write. I trust nothing electronic which has made for a more peaceful life while everyone around me is melting down.  Nothing makes sense anymore. Certainly not politics, or war, or the inability that people have developed that have made one side hate the other with such animosity it is almost unbelievable. 

And there I shall end my dissertation on the state of the nation come Tuesday or whatever day you voted. Life will go on whether or not we like it.  It floored me when my 13-year-old granddaughter asked me if there were going to be riots again.  Ugh. We have made a mess of things again. But life is messy as anyone can tell you. 

There is much dissention in the world today. People are unable to have civil discussions about religion, politics, and the weather. In my family there have been contentious debates, but we don't stop speaking to each other. I, on the other hand, have witnessed multiple bouts of anger in regard to all topics on Facebook and elsewhere. I think many of us have forgotten how to listen or read and instead talk or read over other people attempting to change other people's minds which never happens. All anyone is really doing is talking or typing to the people who agree with them. So why bother you might ask. 

It reinforces their POV.

Because that is what they are looking for.

Consensus. 

And if they get consensus? 

They win! 

Now give out that blue ribbon. 

I like a good debate. I don't like anger or hatred, and I really hate condescension. Society is rife with both today making conversation difficult, especially if you are interested in hearing the other person's ideas on something you are unsure about. There was a comment on Facebook that I was interested in learning more about, but I didn't want to start an argument when I just wanted to express my confusion. Needless to say, I didn't respond so I never got their POV. And that's sad.

Even climate change is up for debate. I don't know about the rest of you, but I just experienced the hottest summer of my life. OKOKOK I am sure there have been hotter years, but the weather does seem a bit brutal lately. Climate change continues to dominate discussions, especially with ongoing weather events and upcoming climate conferences like COP28. You can read the agenda here. Efforts to address emissions, funding for climate-vulnerable countries, and adaptation strategies are at the forefront. What's missing is accountability. Words mean nothing without action. It seems like we, as a species, are more interested in killing than saving lives or the planet. 

Now seriously, does it make sense to ban plastic bags but allow plastic milk jugs/cartoons, margarine containers, all the plastic over all the meat, plastic around bread, cookie and cake containers, I could go on and won't. It's just stupid. It is the corporation's way to save money by banning plastic bags, leaving lousy paper bags that we tried to ban to save the trees many years ago.  No one wants a paper bag. They break. We have to bring our own bags. That saves big bucks for our corpocracy form of government. The CEOs are dancing in the streets. At least in California. 

Lest one think I am in support of plastic bags, I'm not. But if you're going to ban plastic, just ban it. 

There is also significant concern over realistic climate goals and addressing challenges related to biodiversity and land conservation​. And on top of all that, we have to address such countries like China, Indonesia, and many other eastern countries who have horrible pollution issues. We can do whatever we want to correct the climate but until those issues are addressed, nothing we do matters much.

It really is that bad. 
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The ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and other regions, add to global instability. This turbulence is exacerbated by polarized politics, a cost-of-living crisis, and the inability to hold a decent conversation on contentious topics. The spread of misinformation, driven by the rise of AI technologies, is considered the most significant short-term threat, with disinformation campaigns influencing elections and widening social divides.

What most people forget is that misinformation by AI technologies is used on BOTH sides. But of course, neither side acknowledges the challenge, and it will be an ongoing issue for years to come unless the government decides to monitor the Internet, which it is already doing illegally. We, as a country, will need to decide if freedom of speech piggybacks the Internet. It really is just elaborate texting after all, not really speech in the literal form.  Or so say some.

I am going to vote right now. With a mail in ballot because we don't have precincts anymore. Well, I guess we do, but it's hard figuring out where they are. But I have to say that it is terribly sad to have so little faith in what I am about to do. I really don't know if it even matters anymore. There are lost ballots, found ballots, and since I live in California even non-US citizens can vote. So, I mean, really, what is the point? 

Do I sound jaded? 

That would be because I am. 

​Economic uncertainty, including inflation and efforts for economic recovery, remains a significant concern. Key events, such as the upcoming IMF and World Bank meetings, aim to address these financial challenges​. I have decided that we are a corpocracy not a republic. I mean for the love of God there is poison in our food! Many items we eat or feed to our children are banned across the world. I'm not going to list them all, you can do that on, oh hell, here are a few:

Gatorade
Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls
Frosted Flakes
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (say it ain't so)
Pop Tarts, the blueberry kind. 
Synthetic food dyes
and the list goes on and on and on. 

*smacks forehead*

Why in the world are we eating this stuff?

Because the government no longer cares about the health of its citizens. It's why poor men and/or women go into politics and come out rich. Check a few presidents, senators, congressmen, lobbyists bank accounts. Before and after. The average salary of a senator is 194,000. Now where did that private jet come from? 

These issues reflect a world grappling with interconnected crises that are shaping daily discourse and global priorities. On a personal level, I don't see a solution. It will take something extreme to make people wake up on both sides of the aisle including Libertarians and the rest. We have to do something. But until we can talk about the issues, we can't solve them. This benefits all sides in the competition for money and does a huge disservice to the world.