I think the biggest losers in this election season are the people in America (us!). In a hotly contested race of X versus Y, what most of us don't realize is that the difference between the two candidates isn't even a single letter (to speak figuratively). We are faced with a "choice" of very liberal or the most liberal. This isn't a choice. The idea that we think we even have one is rather amusing. I've had some good discussions (and disagreement) with my friend David about this and he has made some excellent points about voting for the person you really would want in office. We aren't just limited to a two-party system. We aren't required to vote either Democrat or Republican. We actually can--shock!--make a real choice!
My standard objection to voting for a third party candidate is that it is a throw-away vote. Or is it? I suppose it might be more like stepping outside of the box and going against the flow. Now, it isn't wise to do something because it goes against the flow. But let me offer one question: when did we get ourselves to a mindset that "this person will do less of X than the other person" and therefore is a better choice, when neither one is a good choice to begin with! Would this be how we would treat sin? What is the "lesser" sin I can commit? (I am using an extreme here as an illustration only.)
That all being said.. my last objection to voting third party is that it seems to be a little idealistic. I still have not been able to answer my own question of: what am I really accomplishing by voting third party? Would it be to have a clear conscience? It's not like I would be contributing to the lesser of the evils. Or would I? Isn't my vote a message that says I am disgusted with both parties? Maybe I am just too much of a pessimist to think that enough of those kinds of votes would actually make a difference. It seems unrealistic and impractical to think it would.
I am curious... what do you think?
1 comment:
People complain about the system, yet cast their vote for those that will not correct the system. Third party or write-in candidates are not from the viewpoint of winning or losing, but taking one's power to vote and using it for whom they think would do the best for the country.
Will they win? More than likely no, but there are more important things in life than winning: doing the right thing. Of course, no one said doing the right thing wouldn't come without costs.
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