So you're saying since you're not in a traditional "swing state", there is no point in voting. I wonder how many people like you in Kansas feel the same and therefore don't bother voting either, AND I wonder if you all did decide one year to vote anyway, would Kansas all the sudden become a swing state? Maybe not, but not even trying is real shame and in no way an effective way to protest the system. I assure you that if not voting is your way to rebel against the electoral college concept, that message is WAAAAY lost.

The one thing that makes me madder than seeing certain states (like Kansas) being take for granted by a certain party, is hearing about people like you in that state not even bothering to try. And then pretending it's some sort of political statement.

I realize there are more than 2 parties. I am simply stating the realities of this country, which you seem to acknowledge too.

In some countries, where the election system is just a sham designed to "re-elect" whatever dictator is in place, then yes, an election boycott is a political statement of sort.

In countries where elections actually mean something and have a real outcome (yes, even in two party countries like the US) an election boycott is just silly. It just means your voice doesn't count. If it is political participation, it is of the pointless kind.

Complaining is part of the democratic process. The point is that if you're willing to make your voice count at the ballot poll (the ultimate/key part of the democratic process) then don't bother us with the rest please. It's not a legal requirement, just something We The Voters are asking nicely.

Sure, just as soon as the federal government issues everyone an ID card (like most countries in the world) so we can use that number instead.

The "social security number" became the magic number by accident (due to lack of alternative) not by choice.

The bottom line is that financial transactions need ID and ways to do credit checks.

It is. In fact, Google owns Doubleclick, which I am sure is no coincidence.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/pressrel/20080311_doubleclick.html