So the most liberal of liberal states (Mass) has a Republican in the lead for replacing the late Sen. Kennedy in congress. The key reason? If he wins, that's 41 people to vote down the healthcare bill. He has openly said if he wins, it will mean the bill can be blocked, and he would do everything in his power to make that happen.

This is winning him the election.

In poll after poll, it's obvious that the American people do not want this bill. Even if they want socialized medicine in America, they don't want what this bill has in it.

Why is Congress not listening to the American people?

When's the last time they have?

I thought Congress was supposed to be a representation of the people. The fact that we voted them in should mean that they are the people.

They listen to their agendas, not the people.

You would think. it's crazy when congress has an 18% approval rating or whatever (lowest in history), and when it comes time to vote, almost all of them get re-elected.

Then why don't people go and vote? Maybe we should make election day a national holiday?

IDK, I just turned 18, but I still don't think I'm a voter type. That's why I don't complain, since I didn't take any action.

I am not against the idea that voting be mandatory. It's like taxes. You pay taxes because it's your obligation. Voting as an obligation sounds good to me, provided you can write in anyone you want if you really don't want to vote for anyone on the ballot.

Everyone loves their own congressman.

If you can write in anyone, then that'll be akin to having a shit load of voters, and split parties every single election (people voting for Clinton in the last election for example).

If you make it mandatory, then the Republicans may always lose, and people who aren't really interested and informed about the issues, candidates, etc will vote, probably based purely on the letter the candidates have next to their names.

You just described current politics in damned near every democracy.