programmer: I am trying to rationally make a good decision, for as I said earlier, I will not choose to not vote. That is a true cop out and makes me angry when I hear members of the chattering class advocate not voting to “teach a lesson” to whichever party they are tearing up for that particular day. You and others are helping me make that decision. I love America

Pal, you already said it well enough by stating:

Thanks guys for the opportunity to vent in an extremely informative environment and in a calm, well reasoned discussion.

Again, there is NOTHING corny about your love of country. Would that more people felt the way you do. If I may be so bold: That you are intent upon being an informed voter is some of the highest praise that our beloved country can earn.

At all times, when closing a discussion with strangers wherein I expose them to the typically unknown dangers of democratic party strategies, I NEVER ask them to vote one way or the other. All I ever ask them to do is be an informed voter.

Changing our world one mind at a time.