Steven Greenhut: Election pits civic duty against cynicism   By
STEVEN GREENHUT / For the Register  Steven Greenhut: Election
pits civic duty against cynicism  Journalist H.L. Mencken
Journalist H.L. Mencken  SACRAMENTO – It's been years since I
cared deeply about any election, yet I find myself back to old
habits – tracking polls and dealing with conflicting feelings
that emerge this time of year. My sense of deep cynicism, born
of years reporting on government venality and stupidity,
collides with my sense of civic duty.  Few people can watch so
many loathsome campaign ads without thinking that something is
wrong with our system. Then again, we know the losers on
Election Night will concede and go home without unleashing their
militias on the streets, as happens in many other countries.
Things aren't so bad.  I always hope that a leader will emerge
to guide our country, state or locality to a better political
future through less spending and more freedom-oriented policies.
Then I get mad at myself for want