It is easy for Hillary Clinton to win the upcoming presidential election. However, most of her efforts opposing Trump are unnecessary, because he has destroyed his campaign all by himself. She is fortunate to have such an inept and idiotic opponent. Most observers believe that any Republican could defeat Clinton, considering her ability to offend a majority of the electorate.
What she should do would be to minimize the anti-business platform contributed by Bernie Sanders during the nominating campaign. By stressing the liberal agenda of increasing business taxes, paid family and medical leave, and minimum wages, she is compromising the business community that creates employment for the many Americans for whom having a job is so critical. Bernie is essentially gone from the election scene, and her campaign would benefit from a more moderate political philosophy enabling business to prosper and grow, thus enhancing employment.
To avoid future " 'Rigged' vote claim splits state" polls (Oct. 26), let's adopt a mandatory requirement for U.S. citizens to vote in national and state elections, or at least attend a polling place on voting day.
Some 38 countries have mandatory voting or have had it in the past, including the U.S., where the state of Georgia made voting compulsory in its 1777 constitution, subject to a fine, unless the person could provide a "reasonable excuse." In 1924, Australia legislated a mandatory-voting system after its turnout in federal elections dipped below 60 percent. In 1925, the participation rate rose to 91 percent and has never dipped below that since. Nonvoters get a letter from the electoral commission demanding an explanation for their absenteeism. Unless they have a good excuse, they are fined. If they fail to pay they can end up in court, where the fine is upped substantially, plus court fees. Refusal to pay means possible jail time.
Places with mandatory voting — including Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France (Senate only), Guatemala, Gabon, Italy, Peru, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey and Uruguay — have less wealth inequality, lower levels of political corruption and polarization, less partisan gridlock, broader representation and legitimacy, and higher levels of satisfaction with the way democracy is conducted.
