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[littlefallsmets]

I am basically agnostic, you know, there might be something and I hope there is but whatever it is or could be, its something far far different than our small minds could imagine... I keep my mind open, just in case.

I feel the same way about politics.

I don't know if it works most of the time but, goddamn it, I'll vote because oh man I want it to work.

It SHOULD work and I don't give a fuck about does and doesn't, can and can't. Should is the word.

I ain't backin' down from that hope, no matter how flawed things look.

I'm such as Agent Mulder, homies, I desperately want to believe.

[jaydub]

...I ain't backin' down from that hope, no matter how flawed things look.

I'm such as Agent Mulder, homies, I desperately want to believe.

Amen, brother.  Pass me the noseclip and give me a stiff shot of courage afterwards (or a piece of sweet-potato pie).  If you don't vote, you've got no right to complain, in my book.  Our style of government doesn't ask much from us - just every few months give thumbs up or down on people (and issues if you live in Cali, or other voter initiative states) and occasionally put up with jury service.  I do some other stuff like bending my representative's ears when they piss me off or do something clever and I'll show up at Town Hall Meetings so it isn't just the usual axe-grinders and yes-men getting heard, but all that's purely optional.  If you can't be bothered - whatever justification you cook up for yourself - you're just being lazy.

[KeithHernandez]

I have only been 18 for three national elections (including a primary) and have always voted, but I totally understand were A-CAP is coming from, especially for him you know.  See, on the left, well that guy is kind of shitty on social issues, but at least we won't go to war, or that guy he is good on social issues but blah..., see, A-CAP has to elect people that act overly religious and socially backwards to get his most important issue (economy), and even then recent Republicans are worse than the Democrats.  It is easy to see how he could be completely turned off by all candidates because he hates at least one thing about each. 

Anyways, the reason I hit reply was because I have been thinking about it a lot, and I think I may only vote in the Primaries, unless the candidate is damn good.  I can usually find a guy to support in the primaries, but after that it has been pretty slim pickings from my view.  Like this time, I will probably vote for Kucinich in the primary, then only him or Obama in the main election.  I mean why vote for Hillary if she has already voted for the war, not said she plans to remove the troops and pretty neutral on all of the social issues I really care about?  (well, and the reason I probably will chicken out and vote for her anyways, because it is better than the alternative.  But I think that is pretty shitty.)

[Doc]

But you guys don't have to vote for one of two guys right? There are other options in the presidential elections?

[KeithHernandez]

Well, like I said, I always have voted, and I really do believe in the lesser of two evils being, you know, less evil.

To answer your question, it depends on the state.  In my state a conservative third party candidate can get on the ballot, but it is harder for some of the more liberal candidates.  For instance, Ralph Nadar wasn't on the ballot in 2000 (I don't remember in 04) where I live, which, you know, you have probably heard of him.

[Golfhaus]

I've missed two of the 12 elections I've been able to vote in. I felt a bit guilty each time.

Even if the options are crap, I still vote. Libertarians tend to get on "big" ballots, and I tend to vote for them because 1) they, as a party, come closest to representing my views, and 2) they make a convenient place to drop a "fuck both of you" message. In cases where there is no convenient place to register my displeasure (a city position like Soil and Water Commission with only one candidate) I usually vote for my mom. This used to really bother her because I got my sister in on the act, too, and she was worried in a couple of places where there were two open positions on a ballot but only one candidate listed. The thought was that the candidate would get one slot, then she would come in a distant second with two votes, and a lot of others tied for third with one.

This never happened, but I wish it did. Hijinx would surely ensue.

[Arachno-capitalist]

I am politically active in ways that are more effective than voting will ever be.  The marginal political benefit of voting in a national election is an infinitesimal amount. The marginal political benefit of writing letters to editors and political offices is greater. Voting is a one digit action. I am strongly in favor of laws against murder. Voting for the anti-murder candidate is less effective than lobbying the eventual office holder for anti-murder language in legislation.

[Arachno-capitalist]

I usually vote for my mom.

I am coming out in favor of the Mom party, and thats the deal.

[littlefallsmets]

Voting is less effective than lobbying the eventual office holder.

Good Lord, though, I don't wanna live in that world.

That is a sad sad world where everything is rigged against everyone who wasn't born completely fuck*ng rich. That probably is the reality of this country today but... fuck, man... I ain't gonna contribute to a system that rigged and fucked and depressing. You are probably right but that makes it even worse.

Shoulds not ares. Indeed... shoulds not Ares.

Maybe this is why I'm trying so hard to be a writer, other than the fact that it's the only thing I'm even marginally good at, because stories are the only real way to change things like that. Protests will be quashed, the few good men and women in positions of power will either be corrupted or murdered, just like always.

But stories...

Stories can fly in under the goddamned radar if they also make money for some douchefuck in a suit.

Stories are the last Trojan hoss humanism has left for their shoulds. For our shoulds.

Man. Depressing.

[KeithHernandez]

I don't think he meant buy them cars, I think he meant write them letters. 

But maybe, I wasn't listening.

[Arachno-capitalist]

I don't think he meant buy them cars, I think he meant write them letters. 

But maybe, I wasn't listening.

Yea, I meant lobbying in the old fashioned sense. I didnt think anyone would take what i said to mean that Id be bribing senators.

[wombat]

Voting for the anti-murder candidate is less effective than lobbying the eventual office holder for anti-murder language in legislation.

But how is lobbying the office holder going to be effective if he knows that no matter what, you're not going to vote for him since you never vote?

[Arachno-capitalist]

But how is lobbying the office holder going to be effective if he knows that no matter what, you're not going to vote for him since you never vote?

In theory, politicians  seek to maximize voter happiness. And thanks to the anonymous ballot, they have no idea if I vote or not.
In reality, politicians seek to maximize their own happiness so when I communicate with them i frame my arguments in terms of their own benefit, not mine.

[jaydub]

My congressional rep is seated like a tick up to his shoulders, and I find many of his stances alternately ridiculous and infuriating.  I have a 12 year (6-election) record of voting for "Anyone But Pete"; which position loses on average 15:85.  On the other hand, he frequently replies to my letters with his justifications (of course its a staffer, but still...) and he does actually hold Town Hall Meetings where he responds to questions and so forth.  I get mailings from his office and can tell you his stance on various issues. 

[wombat]

In theory, politicians  seek to maximize voter happiness. And thanks to the anonymous ballot, they have no idea if I vote or not.

Ooo, that is just cheating.

Lowering yourself to their level, I suppose.