As someone that has always been politically active, I find it absurd that people who do not vote feel compelled to tell anyone that is in earshot what is wrong with this country. I vote each and every election. I may not like any of the candidates, but my greatest power is my vote. I wish that I had better choices than "bad" and "worse", but of the choices given, I choose the individual I feel will do the best job.
What brought this on, you ask?
I am minding my own business when a co-worker decides to open up about the war in Iraq. As always when a political subject comes up from someone wishing ill about the current state of things, I asked if she voted.
Shocked and appalled that I would ask, she replied, "No. I didn't like my party's candidates."
Can you see the two separate issues I am about to launch into here?
First: Aligning yourself with a political party of ANY kind is a big bowl of doom. Why not, say, examine the issues you feel strongly about and look for a person that will best suit your needs? Both of my parents were republican, and I just can't limit myself to one set of idiots (any party) making my decisions for me. I research ALL of the candidates and find out where they stand on fundamental issues and current "hot" issues. That is my process of elimination for the candidates. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a single candidate that I can agree with 100%. But, I cast my vote and hope my voice makes a difference.
Second: Shut the hell up about the current state of affairs if you didn't even TRY to make a difference! You people that whine and complain about how horrible life is in this country, yet can't be bothered to use the system we currently have to attempt to better it (you know who you are!) can go suck an egg! I wish I could use a more descriptive vocabulary, but I am limited to my own code of honor and decency.
Lastly: When the candidates that I vote for win, I am happy. When they don't, I deal with it. I will support what my government does because I had a hand in creating it. I do feel at liberty to voice my opinions about the members of our government, but in the end, they are what the majority of people WHO TOOK THE TIME TO VOICE THEIR DESIRES chose. My right is to vote for people whom I think will be the best governing body. My duty is to support my governments' actions as a whole. I will not be a sheep and follow blindly, though. I have the right as a participant to complain. If you didn't participate, you don't get to say a damn thing!
Basically, if you are given a free meal and you couldn't be bothered to help cook it, don't bitch about the food!
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... well, can't talk to what motivates people, because that's their journey ... but i can say this ...
i will NOT support my government if they, whether i voted for them or not, are pursuing the eminent demise of my country. i think it is incumbant on every american to re-read the declaration of independence and realize that no MATTER WHO VOTED, IF THE PEOPLE WE ELECT ARE NOT DOING WHAT WE WANT ... THEY ARE GONE ... THEY ARE THE ONES TO GO, we do not need to be spied on, alientated, imprisoned in our own country!!!! .... gee, that felt good. thanks for opening a space up for a rant of my own.
truth is, less that 50% of us vote ... even if our votes were counted and not cheated like in the 2000 & 2004 elections ... they win. the vote is for sale and the highest bidder wins. democracy cannot work with out, at a minimum 75% of the POPULATION, not those registered to vote, VOTE!!!!!!
so ... yes, register and vote, although i was like her and, for the first time since i was 16 years old (when i 'borrowed' my sister's id, registered her to vote and voted for her ... like she ever would (except in the last election for that idiot bush) ... there is something to be said for people who do not vote)) ... I ALMOST CONSCIOUSLY MADE THE CHOICE NOT TO VOTE. democracy was that dark and dead ....... but i took the advice of a dear friend and 'vote for the light wherever you see it' ... comment way too long ..... thanks for the space & letting me rant ...
peace & harmony,
elaine
'freedom must be exercised to stay in shape!'
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