I know I'm voting for the Democratic Party candidate in every election henceforth no matter what. At least, then, we'll have a chance at salvaging our democracy.
ABSOLUTELY 💯, and if you think by not voting, you're not choosing, you are mistaken. Not choosing is STILL choosing, except you're choosing by default.
Here in Australia voting is compulsory, although the fine for not participating in democracy is $20 (about USD13). So hardly an incentive to head for the polling booth. Many of us deliberately vote for a minor party, hoping for 2 things. 1-that it will send a message of disaffection to the major parties and 2-that the minor parties won’t get enough votes to actually get in!
You are generous. I figure people who say both sides are the same and won't vote are lazy...too lazy to figure it out. I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but being a good citizen is work.
I have that same thought. I used to be too wrapped up in life to pay attention to politics, so I voted for the party of familiarity from my upbringing. Somewhere around the Clinton administration I started to pay more attention and since the 2016 election I have paid a lot of attention. You are right to say being a good citizen is hard work. It requires reading many points of view, deciding who aligns with the kind of world you want and getting out there to vote. Also making sure everyone in your sphere is voting too.
I know I'm voting for the Democratic Party candidate in every election henceforth no matter what. At least, then, we'll have a chance at salvaging our democracy.
THIS. John, THIS. It gives me hope to encounter others articulating this conviction.
ABSOLUTELY 💯, and if you think by not voting, you're not choosing, you are mistaken. Not choosing is STILL choosing, except you're choosing by default.
Here in Australia voting is compulsory, although the fine for not participating in democracy is $20 (about USD13). So hardly an incentive to head for the polling booth. Many of us deliberately vote for a minor party, hoping for 2 things. 1-that it will send a message of disaffection to the major parties and 2-that the minor parties won’t get enough votes to actually get in!
So very well said. Thank you.
You are generous. I figure people who say both sides are the same and won't vote are lazy...too lazy to figure it out. I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but being a good citizen is work.
I have that same thought. I used to be too wrapped up in life to pay attention to politics, so I voted for the party of familiarity from my upbringing. Somewhere around the Clinton administration I started to pay more attention and since the 2016 election I have paid a lot of attention. You are right to say being a good citizen is hard work. It requires reading many points of view, deciding who aligns with the kind of world you want and getting out there to vote. Also making sure everyone in your sphere is voting too.