Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveDallas
(Post 836611)
If you're sad because of what it says about the current situation, sure. If you're sad about UT not voting, I'd disagree.
If UT said he was going to vote for Obama, we would all (OK, most of us) say that's cool, you made your choice.
If he said he was going to vote for Romney, we would all (OK, most of us) say that's cool, you made you choice.
If he said he was going to vote for any other candidate, many of us would try to convince him he's "wasting his vote." But in the end, we'd say that's cool, you made your choice.
Having seen UT post about politics for years (decades), I know he's more informed about the political process than the average bear. If he's read the tea leaves and decided not to vote, then I for one say, "that's cool, you made your choice."
And I say that without a trace of sarcasm (which is unusual for me). No candidate, no party, is entitled to your vote.
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Hey SD! Good to see you again.
Your opinion on my feelings is all yours. His post about not voting is sad on a number of counts. Since I agree with you about Undertoad being well informed, his "experiment" about not voting, while still being "his choice" will not be without effect. I don't really care who he votes for.
I've been a proselytizer for voting for a looong time. I'm a big fan of our political structure, warts and all. But it *requires* voters, and the more high quality, high information voters, like Undertoad, the better.
Surely there are issues on the ballot besides the Main Event that deserve critical consideration. I don't know about his local ballot, I haven't seen it. But this stuff matters. Even if he votes against!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazarus Long
If you are part of a society that votes, then do so. There may be no candidates and measures you want to vote for... But there are certain to be ones you want to vote against. In case of doubt, vote against. By this rule you will rarely go wrong.
If this is too blind for your taste, consult some well-meaning fool (there is always one around) and ask his advice. Then vote the other way. This enables you to be a good citizen (if such is your wish) without spending the enormous amount of time that truly intelligent exercise of the franchise requires.
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On my ballot there are some titanic issues like legalizing marriage for everyone regardless of sex, the decriminalization of up to an ounce of marijuana, the authorization of charter schools, a levy for a new seawall, etc, etc. None of these have candidates or parties, but they're still important.
If he doesn't want a mainline party candidate, write one in, assuming that's permitted in PA, it is in WA.
And lastly, voting is my express participation in our civic culture. I'm a part of it, it affects me, and I want to have an effect on it. It's a good habit.
