|
Author
|
Topic: Voting for the Lesser Evil
|
Dervish
Knowflake Posts: 625
From:
Registered: May 2009
|
posted January 20, 2008 05:13 AM
  
Less than half the USA actually votes, for various reasons. Some don't because they feel the only "viable" choice is an evil one and/or that anyone who votes is legitimizing a broken (or even evil) system and has no right to complain because they're agreeing to abide by the results, no matter how heinous. However, many others vote for the "lesser evil" to "lessen the punishment due." That is, they don't vote FOR, they vote AGAINST. In 2004, some voted AGAINST Bush by casting a ballot for Kerry, and some voted AGAINST Kerry by casting a ballot for Bush. Not because they supported the one they voted for, but because they felt the alternative was worse. If you're one of the many that does this, I'd like to ask you a question that is strictly from curiosity and NOT judgmental or accusatory: How does it affect you knowing the system is set up so that your only practical choice is an evil one? That you must participate in the system, or it may become even more evil still? Do you think any good can truly come from such a system? Also, do you actively or passively support reform such as eliminating the electoral college, keeping diebold voting machines out of the process, or in instituting Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)? If not, why not?
I remind you, this isn't meant to be interrogative. This is because I'm curious how you deal with this inside. I'd like to understand people, which I currently don't.
Obviously, if you actually believe in a specific party that you vote for enthusiastically, or at least often get to vote for a candidate that you support, this is NOT directed at you. I also ask that no one attacks anyone else for their choices here. Saying how passionately you feel about doing it, or how horrible you'd feel if you didn't do whatever it is you do is one thing (in fact, that's answering my question, ty!), but attacking someone else for voting for a specific party as a "lesser evil" or whatever they do (or don't do) will derail this thread into a flame war. Please, show your better side and don't. Ty IP: Logged |
Mannu
Knowflake Posts: 45
From: always here and no where
Registered: Apr 2009
|
posted January 20, 2008 02:52 PM
If you don't make a choice, the choices will make you.
So relax. Just try to be aware till the voting day, thats all.It will appear that we are keeping race and gender in one room and the rest in another. But its not true. IP: Logged |
AcousticGod
Knowflake Posts: 4415
From: Pleasanton, CA
Registered: Apr 2009
|
posted January 20, 2008 05:00 PM
quote:
How does it affect you knowing the system is set up so that your only practical choice is an evil one?
Why is it 'evil'? Is it because of the two party system that many people feel/believe doesn't fit their needs? If so then, I can at least see where you're coming from, though I wouldn't characterize it as 'evil' per se. We have so many options when it comes to other things, we ought to have more options when it comes to political affiliations. If that's not the reason, and it's evil because some people vote for one candidate just to send a message to the other candidate I don't know if I personally see a problem with that. Sometimes you do need to get someone out of office as soon as possible by any means possible. It would be nice if it was a candidate you liked in some way, and it's unfortunate if it isn't. IP: Logged |
dafremen
unregistered
|
posted January 20, 2008 05:19 PM
Yea, I'd have to agree that evil is a bit strong. Still, I'd say that a political system which doesn't provide enough choices threatens a truly free society. The fact that many balloting rules favor the two entrenched parties is an indication of the encroachment of that threat. We really need to spread it out and around; maybe find a way to involve people whose ideas aren't a product of being a part of the current process. We need fresh perspectives and a new way of finding them. That's my two cents worth. Again, evil just seems a bit too harsh of a word at this point in time. Keep drawing attention to the topic though. It's too important to ignore, regardless of the current extent of the problem.  IP: Logged |
Dervish
Knowflake Posts: 625
From:
Registered: May 2009
|
posted January 20, 2008 06:59 PM
Am I understanding correctly that yall have never heard the expression "voting for the lesser evil" before? I've met so many who feel that is what they're doing that I just figured you'd know what I was talking about. I've also seen parodies of it, too (like "Cthulhu for President, why vote for the LESSER evil?") IP: Logged |
TINK
unregistered
|
posted January 20, 2008 07:57 PM
Dervish ~ Not only have I heard of it, I can't remember a time when I felt differently about politics.Cthulhu for President  IP: Logged |
AcousticGod
Knowflake Posts: 4415
From: Pleasanton, CA
Registered: Apr 2009
|
posted January 21, 2008 01:31 PM
quote:
Am I understanding correctly that yall have never heard the expression "voting for the lesser evil" before?
Certainly, however that's a figure of speech. You could be choosing between two things that are objectively good, and state that you're voting for the lesser evil. It doesn't necessarily mean that you find both to be 'evil' in the full sense of the word. IP: Logged |
Dervish
Knowflake Posts: 625
From:
Registered: May 2009
|
posted January 21, 2008 07:40 PM
I find the idea that "objectively good" is called "evil" very strange. In any case, those I know don't see it that way (I know, I recently asked them this same question). IP: Logged |
blue moon
Knowflake Posts: 1344
From: U.K
Registered: Apr 2009
|
posted March 13, 2008 06:17 PM
It's a good question. Way back in the day, a friend from my home town was hounded about making sure she used her vote. Knowing nothing about politics, or, well, anything really, she was pressed into the polling booths, shut her eyes and put her cross where the pencil landed. It landed on a party that never gets voted in in that particular constituency, so it made no difference. Just like it makes no differences every time passionate supporters of that party trundle in every election to cast their vote, knowing that it will make no difference to the overall result. Why do they bother? To be honest I do the same thing. Once I voted for someone that won, but I can't remember that far back, did I dream it? I always turn up though. Oddly enough, I pick the party or candidate I feel will do the best job, and reflects my major campaign concerns. IP: Logged | |
Lindaland
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
