Whatever His Faults, Tom Friedman Gets It

Mon. April 23, 2012:

Any true patriot has to be despairing of USA's current political system.

Remember:  Chinese leadership predicts overtaking the USA as #1 superpower by 2023, because of USA's 2-party political dysfunction.  China's own corruption scandal is serious, but at least its dictatorial system allows quick targeting & remedy.

In USA:  SuperPACs, partisan obstructionism, bullying, cowardice, cynicism all add up to the electorate's sense of hopelessness & powerlessness.  Result?  Less than 50% show up to vote, even for national presidential elections.  For state or local elections, often less than 10%!

Thus, Required Reading for today is Thomas Friedman's "Down With Everything," NYT Sun. 4/22/12.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/friedman-down-with-everything.html