Zero: Re: This is great (my opinion)
Yes, it is a good thing. I've definitely needed some exercise for my mind that's not IT related.
And so, here we go...
...again.
Good contention. However, here's what I have to say to some of your major points:
1.) "...look how many radicals we have, i feel that they have the power to sway ingorant people to their side and win the "popular vote." This is why i still believe in the electorial college."
Radicals, or not they are still American citizens. Most pay taxes and are considered equals in the eyes of the government and should therefore not be discriminated against for their "radical beliefs". They say "Justice is blind...". And justice is regarded as one of the highest principles of true republic democracy. A "radical's" choice or beliefs should not keep him from being cheated by an electoral college designed to "...keep out idiots". Law enforcement is the proper measure to keep everyone in check including "radicals". Therefore, everyone should be able to vote safely for what they believe in without fear of "...a radical setting their house on fire".
(On another note, the fathers of many great revolutions were all at one time considered "radicals" (including our fore-fathers). If they were allowed to vote or if their vote were listened to, then maybe they would not have had to resort to blood and war to make a change. Just food for thought...)
2.) "...said that he isn't voting for the "lesser of two evils," but i feel that you have to..."
And I say you don't. In an EXTREME example, if the choice is between Stalin and Hitler, would voting for the lesser evil be the right decision? NO. Now, I'm not saying that either Kerry or Bush are comparable to Stalin and Hitler... But if you happen to be an individual like Kern, myself, and many others who does not believe in either candidate or aren't able to morally support them, then voting for them WON'T solve the concerns you have. So what can you do? You can make a statement. There are many ways to do this. (Ah, and here is the heart of the discussion).
a) Vote independent: Umm, good luck on this. Like I said, no independent has ever even come close to winning a presidential election. BUT at least by doing this you will have excercised your voting right and you can feel better about yourself and having completed your civic duty.... even if it doesn't matter because ultimately your candidate won't win anyway. But it is still a statement to make.
b) Vote for someone/something not on the ballot: Heh, heh... Yeah, this is a statement all right... and not much else. It basically says, "I believe Mickey Mouse makes a better president than that republican/democrat piece of $hit." But again, you're exercising your right to vote and can feel better for yourself that you voted for someone/something that will never make office. But it's still a statement.
c) Don't vote: This is a touchy subject (as we all know). I believe it's not a question of whether not voting is wrong, but a question of why you're not voting and what kind of statement you are making. As I covered before, not voting can be a poweful alternative when compared to the above options. It is a statement, and it is listened to. The media, campaigning candidates, and other political hopefuls know that much of America does not vote. And because of that they actively try to change their platforms and political stance to gain the votes of that particular demographic (If more than 50% of the population does not vote, then that's 50% of the votes I can take to win this election). Whether you believe it or not, our not voting instigates changes within the political structure and minds of running candidates. I'd like to think that Mtv's Rock the Vote, Bill Clinton appearing on Mtv discussing his preference of boxers over briefs, and http://www.declareyourself.com/ are direct results of this. It is their effort to reach out to "America's non-voting-apathetic youth" in order to gain more votes. I could care less about the votes they gain by doing this, but at least they're trying to better tailer some of their political policies towards us. And if that inspires youth or any other age group to vote, than cool. It may just take us one step closer to finally voting because we now have a candidate we believe in.... and all because we did not vote. Imagine that? 'Congratulations on making a "difference". Or is is it?
"...They figured that anyone could sway their votes, and win the election by "popular vote."
Who's to say that Bush or Kerry are any different? Who's to say that they aren't just saying crap to win the election? Didn't President George H. Bush say "...read my lips: no new taxes!"? And what happened a few months later? Fucking taxes!!!
Ok, so we all know that you take a risk either way. But it brings me back to my original point. I believe in responsible-clear conscience-well informed voting. If I can't support my candidate morally and politically, then I can't/won't have a hand in giving him the highest office of the land. I will not pull the trigger if I am unsure of my target. And in doing so, I am making a statement that, regardless of what people may think, will be heard and will have an impact on future elections and the candidates that run in them.
Or, you could go with alternatives 'a' and 'b' listed above if it will make you feel better. At least then you got to vote. Either way there are gonna be many people who don't vote for either George "there are weapons of mass destruction in Iraq" Bush and John "I can't make up my fucking mind" Kerry.
Cлава к Oтечеству!!!
[RTI] ZeroFunction
Kern - You know I wouldn't make a good PR guy... I hate people. ;-)
Yes, it is a good thing. I've definitely needed some exercise for my mind that's not IT related.
And so, here we go...
...again.
Good contention. However, here's what I have to say to some of your major points:
1.) "...look how many radicals we have, i feel that they have the power to sway ingorant people to their side and win the "popular vote." This is why i still believe in the electorial college."
Radicals, or not they are still American citizens. Most pay taxes and are considered equals in the eyes of the government and should therefore not be discriminated against for their "radical beliefs". They say "Justice is blind...". And justice is regarded as one of the highest principles of true republic democracy. A "radical's" choice or beliefs should not keep him from being cheated by an electoral college designed to "...keep out idiots". Law enforcement is the proper measure to keep everyone in check including "radicals". Therefore, everyone should be able to vote safely for what they believe in without fear of "...a radical setting their house on fire".
(On another note, the fathers of many great revolutions were all at one time considered "radicals" (including our fore-fathers). If they were allowed to vote or if their vote were listened to, then maybe they would not have had to resort to blood and war to make a change. Just food for thought...)
2.) "...said that he isn't voting for the "lesser of two evils," but i feel that you have to..."
And I say you don't. In an EXTREME example, if the choice is between Stalin and Hitler, would voting for the lesser evil be the right decision? NO. Now, I'm not saying that either Kerry or Bush are comparable to Stalin and Hitler... But if you happen to be an individual like Kern, myself, and many others who does not believe in either candidate or aren't able to morally support them, then voting for them WON'T solve the concerns you have. So what can you do? You can make a statement. There are many ways to do this. (Ah, and here is the heart of the discussion).
a) Vote independent: Umm, good luck on this. Like I said, no independent has ever even come close to winning a presidential election. BUT at least by doing this you will have excercised your voting right and you can feel better about yourself and having completed your civic duty.... even if it doesn't matter because ultimately your candidate won't win anyway. But it is still a statement to make.
b) Vote for someone/something not on the ballot: Heh, heh... Yeah, this is a statement all right... and not much else. It basically says, "I believe Mickey Mouse makes a better president than that republican/democrat piece of $hit." But again, you're exercising your right to vote and can feel better for yourself that you voted for someone/something that will never make office. But it's still a statement.
c) Don't vote: This is a touchy subject (as we all know). I believe it's not a question of whether not voting is wrong, but a question of why you're not voting and what kind of statement you are making. As I covered before, not voting can be a poweful alternative when compared to the above options. It is a statement, and it is listened to. The media, campaigning candidates, and other political hopefuls know that much of America does not vote. And because of that they actively try to change their platforms and political stance to gain the votes of that particular demographic (If more than 50% of the population does not vote, then that's 50% of the votes I can take to win this election). Whether you believe it or not, our not voting instigates changes within the political structure and minds of running candidates. I'd like to think that Mtv's Rock the Vote, Bill Clinton appearing on Mtv discussing his preference of boxers over briefs, and http://www.declareyourself.com/ are direct results of this. It is their effort to reach out to "America's non-voting-apathetic youth" in order to gain more votes. I could care less about the votes they gain by doing this, but at least they're trying to better tailer some of their political policies towards us. And if that inspires youth or any other age group to vote, than cool. It may just take us one step closer to finally voting because we now have a candidate we believe in.... and all because we did not vote. Imagine that? 'Congratulations on making a "difference". Or is is it?
"...They figured that anyone could sway their votes, and win the election by "popular vote."
Who's to say that Bush or Kerry are any different? Who's to say that they aren't just saying crap to win the election? Didn't President George H. Bush say "...read my lips: no new taxes!"? And what happened a few months later? Fucking taxes!!!
Ok, so we all know that you take a risk either way. But it brings me back to my original point. I believe in responsible-clear conscience-well informed voting. If I can't support my candidate morally and politically, then I can't/won't have a hand in giving him the highest office of the land. I will not pull the trigger if I am unsure of my target. And in doing so, I am making a statement that, regardless of what people may think, will be heard and will have an impact on future elections and the candidates that run in them.
Or, you could go with alternatives 'a' and 'b' listed above if it will make you feel better. At least then you got to vote. Either way there are gonna be many people who don't vote for either George "there are weapons of mass destruction in Iraq" Bush and John "I can't make up my fucking mind" Kerry.
Cлава к Oтечеству!!!
[RTI] ZeroFunction
Kern - You know I wouldn't make a good PR guy... I hate people. ;-)
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