Racketboy Political Discussion Thread

[dsheinem]

If you do not vote, then you have no grounds for complaining about your elected representatives.

I tend to agree with most of your points, but I disagree with this logic or the general assertion that the only valued/most valued form of political agency is voting. Certainly someone who didn't vote has every right to nonetheless complain about the actions of elected candidates and should be heeded and considered if they can articulate those arguments well. I also get a bit perturbed at all the "go vote!" and "exercise your right!" exhortations from everyone, as voting should be something people do out of personal conviction, not social pressure.

I usually tell people that they should vote if they feel they have good reasons to make their decisions and believe that the vote can make an impact. If neither of those things are true, I tell them either to stay home or to find a more relevant and productive way to bring about the changes they want to see.

[Luke]

Early voting is excellent. I was able to vote four years ago.

[BoringSupreez]

Well, here in Belgium we have the same thing. And all I see is 'democracy' life serves the rich, and fucks the man in the street...

Fixed that for you.

Meh...

It's true, no matter what form of government you choose. Even communism serves those that the top (the only difference is that government officials becomes the rich people). Democracy simply gives those at the bottom a better chance than any other form of government.

[prfsnl_gmr]

The US is not a Democracy (Al Gore would have been president ). Technically we are a representative republic or constitutional republic.

Sigh, not this whole thing again. Republic is any non-monarchy form of government. We're a representative democracy.

Thanks.

If you do not vote, then you have no grounds for complaining about your elected representatives.

I tend to agree with most of your points, but I disagree with this logic or the general assertion that the only valued/most valued form of political agency is voting. Certainly someone who didn't vote has every right to nonetheless complain about the actions of elected candidates and should be heeded and considered if they can articulate those arguments well. I also get a bit perturbed at all the "go vote!" and "exercise your right!" exhortations from everyone, as voting should be something people do out of personal conviction, not social pressure.

I usually tell people that they should vote if they feel they have good reasons to make their decisions and believe that the vote can make an impact. If neither of those things are true, I tell them either to stay home or to find a more relevant and productive way to bring about the changes they want to see.

Certainly, well articulated arguments from people who do not - or cannot - vote may be taken into consideration. That said, I have little patience for citizens that consistently complaint that our system of government is broken, that all of our elected representatives are crooks, that the goverment is ruining their lives, etc. but nonetheless cannot be bothered to take an hour or so every two years to actually cast a ballot. To me, at least, people complaining about the goverment that did not vote are like people complaining about the food at a dinner party that did not bring anything to the table.

[Luke]

To me, at least, people complaining about the goverment that did not vote are like people complaining about the food at a dinner party that did not bring anything to the table.

I understand both your and Dish's opinions. At the same time if we're using a dinner party analogy, your vote is the equivalent of bringing a kernel of corn.

I have no qualms with people not voting and then complaining as it is their constitutional right. Not saying the people who complain and don't vote are the sharpest crayons in the box, but you know what they say about opinions.

What irritates me are those (usually college kids) who campaign like crazy while not knowing how anything in the government works. Ask people in line at the polls, on either side, how the electoral college works and how their votes count. Or don't. Either way I think the most popular response would be something close to "The electricity what?".

Not sitting on a high horse nor am I an elitist, rather I'm honestly sad how few people understand how our Commander in Chief is elected.

Oh, and since *finally* the election will be over *hopefully* by 2am est, I'm a bit shocked Joss Whedon didn't get a backlash for voting for Romney. Almost everyone I know in Hollywood is all about the Obama and Whedon Kool-Aid to the point where if you don't vote for Obama, you're an idiot and if you don't think Marvel's The Avengers is the best movie ever, you are also an idiot.

[prfsnl_gmr]

To me, at least, people complaining about the goverment that did not vote are like people complaining about the food at a dinner party that did not bring anything to the table.

I understand both your and Dish's opinions. At the same time if we're using a dinner party analogy, your vote is the equivalent of bringing a kernel of corn.

It would be a really big dinner party...

[BoringSupreez]

I just got back from voting. I voted:

Romney- President
Spence - Governor
Akin - Senate
Leutkemeyer - Representative

Who have you voted for?

[jvalentine98]

One reason I don't vote is the electoral college. It sucks! It says my vote doesn't matter.

I live in Alabama, republicans win that state anyway. So casting a vote for Obama would be pointless and casting a vote for Romney is piling on. Please do away with the electoral college and I might vote.

[Jrecee]

To me, at least, people complaining about the goverment that did not vote are like people complaining about the food at a dinner party that did not bring anything to the table.

I understand both your and Dish's opinions. At the same time if we're using a dinner party analogy, your vote is the equivalent of bringing a kernel of corn.

I have no qualms with people not voting and then complaining as it is their constitutional right. Not saying the people who complain and don't vote are the sharpest crayons in the box, but you know what they say about opinions.

What irritates me are those (usually college kids) who campaign like crazy while not knowing how anything in the government works. Ask people in line at the polls, on either side, how the electoral college works and how their votes count. Or don't. Either way I think the most popular response would be something close to "The electricity what?".

Not sitting on a high horse nor am I an elitist, rather I'm honestly sad how few people understand how our Commander in Chief is elected.

Oh, and since *finally* the election will be over *hopefully* by 2am est, I'm a bit shocked Joss Whedon didn't get a backlash for voting for Romney. Almost everyone I know in Hollywood is all about the Obama and Whedon Kool-Aid to the point where if you don't vote for Obama, you're an idiot and if you don't think Marvel's The Avengers is the best movie ever, you are also an idiot.

But how much does an understanding of the electoral college really matter in the end? It varies by state, and at the end of the day, the guy you support is the guy you support. It's not like there is some loophole in the system whereby voting for romney actually turns into a vote for obama.

[BoringSupreez]

One reason I don't vote is the electoral college. It sucks! It says my vote doesn't matter.

I live in Alabama, republicans win that state anyway. So casting a vote for Obama would be pointless and casting a vote for Romney is piling on. Please do away with the electoral college and I might vote.

But there's still state, county and city level elections.