I don't really like to talk about politics. They annoy me. But we're getting close to the election, so I thought I'd let you all know where I stand
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My primary "fear" of a 2nd term with Bush is his hot-headed approach to foreign policy. If he gets into a 2nd term, he doesn't have to worry about being re-elected anymore, and I'm honestly scared at how badly he could fuck up international relations for this country. That, coupled with his inability to find an exit strategy for Iraq, and his rampant squandering of taxpayer money tells me that he was never cut out for this job, and as his employers we need to fire him and replace him with someone else
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I agree with just about everything you said. But, as I said before, "the lesser evil" just isn't good enough for me. I agree that Kerry probably couldn't do much worse. But that doesn't mean he could do much better either. And so, I can't in good conscience vote for him.
That's just the way I feel. Whether it's "right" or not, I don't know. That's one of the good things about this country. You don't have have a reason for why you vote one way or the other (or in my case, possibly not at all), that doesn't matter. We can all use our votes however we wish. So, while I wouldn't vote the way you would, each of us is just as right in doing it.
how is not voting for anyone really going to make a difference? so, in escence, your trying to act like your not voting because you care when in reality your lack of vote will prove nothing. maybe no one has earned your vote, but you should vote for the person that you would rather see there instead of pretending that your not voting is so great; it just the stand of someone that can't decide and is too lazy to try and learn more to make a decision.
That is a good point. I'll have to look into their views, since I primarily know about Kerry's and Bush's.
And, don't be confused by what I said above. I will be at the polls on election day. I believe in voting. I just might not pull any levers under the presidential column is all.
the third party is basically there... for no reason. I really hate to say that, but, they aren't going to win, espectially this year. If people vote for the third party... it's almost like not voting at all. I know that there are arguments to the contrary in history. But in this election, voting third party is basically just going to effect the two major parties, so why not just vote for one of them? (I'm sorry if I sound immoral, but you know they're not going to win, they don't have a chance this election)And even if there's a slight chance they could get money, what going to happen in the mean time, while they aren't running the country?
I think that people should be able to do what they want with their vote, but at the same time, we're given it as a right and it's hard for someone to say that they wish things could be different if they choose not to help do anything about it. And I agree with Eric about the "lesser of the two evils" thing because if that's all it comes down to, then that's what it is. I also agree with Kirsten's comment in her post that you're never going to agree with someone 100%. I don't agree with things that any president I've been alive during their service 100% of the time. And you're not just voting for a president, you're also voting for a vice president and all the cabinet essentially. The president isn't the only one making the decisions, he's only part of the whole puzzle.
I'm not asking for 100%. I know it's unrealistic to think that, short of resurrecting Abe Lincoln, I would find someone I agree with completely. All I'm asking for is like 50%. I can't even find that with these two candidates.
And, yes, my vote would go towards the cabinet, etc., but if I can't agree with either candidate's views, I doubt I'll agree with the people they choose to help forward those views.
If you think both candidates suck (like I do), then look into third parties. At least you're making your voice heard and trying to push forward what you believe.
Slashdot recently had articles with interviews from the Libertarian and Green Party candidates. Personally, I don't agree with either of them on EVERYTHING, but both seem a lot more honest and on the ball than Bush or Kerry.
I'm posting this in response to myself, but I'm referring to things I see in other comments.
I have trouble buying into the "lesser of two evils" approach. Then you're never voting for what you -want- and only for "What's better than the absolute worst"
If everyone just stopped doing that, and actually voted for what they believe in, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation. The lesser of two evils is still evil.
And you bring up a good point about the 3rd party candidates. I might actually consider voting for one, even if I don't agree completely, simply because a vote for them is really more a vote for funding (as Kirsten pointed out above) than for a particular person. I'll have to do more research on their views.
I think a vote for third party is more than funding. It helps raise statistics of voter dissatisfaction with the two parties. I think in 2000, the voter turnout was only 50-60%. If those people aren't voting because they think the main two candidates suck, they're falling on deaf ears. Voting third party at least even gives the two parties a chance to say "Dude, we lost X votes to these other guys, maybe we're doing something wrong?"
And I think, regardless of whether Bush or Kerry wins, if a state goes third party this year (or some other big indication of third party interest), you can bet that both of them will react. Which might be just what we need.
So in that sense, voting third party is awesome. Not only are you voting for something you believe in, but you're fighting the current establishment. Good times.
Anyhow, read those Slashdot links, and look into other parties. At least it'll be a lot more interesting to see opinions on issues instead of the heavy doublespeak we see in "official" debates.
I'm with you on the not-voting, though I probably didn't get registered in time anyway, so for me it's irrelevant. But in spite of one (only ONE) rabid Democrat insisting that Kerry's platform is all up on his website - I agree with you. "I'm not Bush!!" is NOT sufficient reason for you to be elected president. And how are people without internet access supposed to learn what Kerry stands for? It's sure as hell not in any of his campaign info.
I have heard the words "It can't possibly get worse!" from people voting for Kerry for the not-Bush reason. (I'd like to know, if it can't get worse, what does it matter WHO gets elected?) Also, I don't think they're right. It can get worse. We may not know how, but things can always get worse
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That's just the way I feel. Whether it's "right" or not, I don't know. That's one of the good things about this country. You don't have have a reason for why you vote one way or the other (or in my case, possibly not at all), that doesn't matter. We can all use our votes however we wish. So, while I wouldn't vote the way you would, each of us is just as right in doing it.
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And, don't be confused by what I said above. I will be at the polls on election day. I believe in voting. I just might not pull any levers under the presidential column is all.
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And I agree with Eric about the "lesser of the two evils" thing because if that's all it comes down to, then that's what it is. I also agree with Kirsten's comment in her post that you're never going to agree with someone 100%.
I don't agree with things that any president I've been alive during their service 100% of the time. And you're not just voting for a president, you're also voting for a vice president and all the cabinet essentially. The president isn't the only one making the decisions, he's only part of the whole puzzle.
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And, yes, my vote would go towards the cabinet, etc., but if I can't agree with either candidate's views, I doubt I'll agree with the people they choose to help forward those views.
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Slashdot recently had articles with interviews from the Libertarian and Green Party candidates. Personally, I don't agree with either of them on EVERYTHING, but both seem a lot more honest and on the ball than Bush or Kerry.
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I have trouble buying into the "lesser of two evils" approach. Then you're never voting for what you -want- and only for "What's better than the absolute worst"
If everyone just stopped doing that, and actually voted for what they believe in, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation. The lesser of two evils is still evil.
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And you bring up a good point about the 3rd party candidates. I might actually consider voting for one, even if I don't agree completely, simply because a vote for them is really more a vote for funding (as Kirsten pointed out above) than for a particular person. I'll have to do more research on their views.
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And I think, regardless of whether Bush or Kerry wins, if a state goes third party this year (or some other big indication of third party interest), you can bet that both of them will react. Which might be just what we need.
So in that sense, voting third party is awesome. Not only are you voting for something you believe in, but you're fighting the current establishment. Good times.
Anyhow, read those Slashdot links, and look into other parties. At least it'll be a lot more interesting to see opinions on issues instead of the heavy doublespeak we see in "official" debates.
Reply
I have heard the words "It can't possibly get worse!" from people voting for Kerry for the not-Bush reason. (I'd like to know, if it can't get worse, what does it matter WHO gets elected?) Also, I don't think they're right. It can get worse. We may not know how, but things can always get worse ( ... )
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