Saturday, November 1, 2008

Wasted Vote?

Just a few qualifications at the beginning of this post: I'm a free thinker. I don't take your word for it (in the political world) - I'm going to research and find out for myself. You won't be able to talk me into voting for someone; but I will listen to your opinion with an "open mind". I'll appreciate it if you listen to mine, likewise. What I am about to talk about is just some ruminations that have been rumbling around my brain. I will not discuss this in person or on the phone, since I have to process information before I can have a well-thought-out response. But if you want to have a conversation in the comments, I'd love to hear.

In 2 days, a new president will be elected. In my city, there have been long lines at early voting spots for weeks. Some have had to wait in line for up to 2 hours to early vote. I haven't voted yet; but I will on Nov. 2nd. It's my civic duty. One I take very seriously. But I don't know who I'm voting for yet. You see, I don't really like certain aspects of either of the two traditional party candidates. I've been told to vote for the lesser of two evils. But that doesn't sit right in my heart. I did that the last election, and look what we got... Plus, I don't really care for voting for an "evil", even if it is a lesser one. But to vote for anybody else is "throwing my vote away", or so I've been told - by a lot of people. Which causes me to wonder how many Americans there are that are simply voting for a lesser evil, when they really would rather vote for a different candidate who they don't think has a chance to win. Did you know there are actually 6 different candidates running for president who are on enough ballots in enough states that could actually win the presidency if enough people voted for them? How do you know one of those other candidates isn't actually a better fit according to your values and concerns? We don't hear about them because they don't have the advertising dollars; but is that a good reason to vote for someone anyway, because they had enough money to promote themselves more than anyone else? If all the people who aren't satisfied with the two-party system actually started voting third party, I bet we'd have a surprise winner. Wouldn't that be a hoot on election night?!

This year, there are critical issues America is voting on. The economy, war in Iraq, energy, etc., the stuff we've all heard over and over. But there are a few issues that Americans as a whole don't realize are up for grabs with this election: socialism, big government, privacy rights, parental rights, state rights. If you haven't voted yet, I urge you to research who your options are. You are not throwing your vote away. Vote your conscience - with a clear conscience. And for the love of America, please do not vote for a lesser evil.

My name is Elisarose and I approve this message.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's my girl! Vote for Bob Barr or write-in Chuck Baldwin! Don't vote Libertarian (Munger) for State though! A Libertarian president wouldn't be bad but governor or mayor could be a disaster if they don't hold to similar values as Christians.

I believe anyone who votes for a "lesser of two evils" has clearly thrown their vote away! Whether my vote wins or not, I know it wasn't thrown away if I cast it for someone I truly believe in and help build support for the future. Never vote with a "today" mentality. Always vote with the future in mind.

pwnspace said...

Its totally retarded to claim that a vote for a third-party candidate is a "throw away" vote.

To extend the logic, no one should vote unless they are voting for the person who will end up winning. Hard to figure out, and completely useless anyway.

The only throw-away vote is a vote that isn't voted.

That brings up a whole new issue which is whether or not we should be encouraging the clueless and uninformed to "do their duty" and vote.

Anonymous said...

Another Major issue in this election is LIFE... Do we consider Unborn babies and even babies under 1 year old to count as a LIFE!!!
We have a lot at stake.