Recent searches
Search options
Deciding not to vote in the US as a protest against the system is like dropping out of school to show how smart you are.
@brianvastag I hear you on that. I jealously guard and exercise my franchise --> I'm sorta done with corrupt parties though.
By being "done" do you mean not to participate at all?
What state do you happen to live?
If you're supporting someone like Cornell West, then you are going to get the exact opposite.
That's the problem that you, and many others, are not seeing.
We have a fixed two party system. It's a systemic and fundamental reality. The rules are written such that there's no way around it.
With FPTP voting systems for president, this means that you will always get one of the two major parties. Even if you lean to the left... But vote third party such as for Cornell West... You will be complicit in helping the Republican candidate.
It's unintuitive, and a bit of a paradox yes.
But that's the reality.
Just like in 2016, all of those people on the left who couldn't bear to vote for Hillary Clinton, deserves a lot of the blame for Donald Trump winning.
I'm sure you may think you are voting your conscience. But supporting third party spoilers is just as corrupt.
@brianvastag
As much as folx/critters may be disgusted by any/all of the candidates out there. Whether disgusted by the "Major 2 Parties", or enamored of third-parties that actually have a different message and approach to the status quo.
Elections come down to pragmatism.
We may not like a particular candidate or candidates, but we have to consider which of the candidates represents "the best chance to win based on the "least bad outcome".
Sitting out voting, voting for third-party candidates who cannot win (as much as we may resonate with their messages) is often a vote that tips an election towards the worst of the candidates and causes grave systemic damage to society and the world. We saw that in 2016. We may see that again in 2024.
Get smart folx and critters!
Swallow your extreme values held extremely, hold your nose and vote for the candidate who can win who is more closely aligned to your values even if that isn't even a great match.
This is especially true for young people. I remember being all full of strong ideological "piss and vinegar". But I always ended up voting for the candidates that could at least move legislation and regulation somewhat towards what my values are, rather than towards narcissistic sociopaths and other grifters.
I'm 59. I'm not going to be here too much longer relative to young people. So, young people, pick up the torch and pragmatically use your collective power to VOTE!!!!!
Sorry if you don't like the message. Tough !$shit. It's reality. Face it. or be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past that have led to this crisis in Democracy.
@brianvastag A third party is in control of the government. They aren’t on the ballot. You don’t get to vote for them.
What they want is for you to burn up all your effort fighting for either their left hand or their right hand, instead of stabbing them in the eye.
Not just in the US.