Obama told Rolling Stone that it’s “inexcusable” and “irresponsible” for Democratic voters not to turn out in droves on Nov. 2. “Buck up,” he said.So writes Matthew Rothschild, editor of The Progressive.
And Biden said Democrats should “stop whining and get out there and look at the alternatives.”
But Democratic voters, and for that matter, progressive and independent voters, aren’t children who can be sent to their rooms without supper until Election Day.
They’re citizens. And many of them are disillusioned with the Obama Administration, and for good reason...
This election is not about rewarding the Democrats and Obama for a job well done or punishing them for a job poorly done but one of defense and voting for the least evil and distasteful. Put your disappointment in your pocket and realize that not voting Democratic and returning the GOP to power is the worst possible of all scenarios for the country. As badly as you and I feel we have been betrayed by Obama and the Dems, and we have, it is nothing compared to screwing we will get from the Republicans...So writes the Fallenmonk.
Democrats have not provided me with enough reasons to vote for them. They have become almost a non-factor in national politics. They can't seem to muster the will to block bad bills when they are in the minority and they can't seem to muster the will to pass good bills when they are in the majority!! All they seem good at is begging progressive-minded folks to hold their noses and give them another chance.
While I respect Fallenmonk a lot, I disagree with him in this instance. His argument is the same one that gets trotted out every two years. If I had chosen to hold my nose as often as the Democrats have begged me to do so, I would have perforated my nose by now! All that would be left was a hole in my face.
Yes, the GOP does not represent my interests, but neither do the Democrats. Over the past decade or so, both parties have failed my litmus tests over and over again. Since no grassroots (i.e., not funded by corporate interests) independent or third-party candidate has a realistic shot at upsetting the two party applecart, it leaves me completely unenthused with this year's elections.
So, I'm choosing to make the ONLY statement that is left to me: I refuse to vote! And I will continue to refuse to vote until which time there is a political party (or a specific candidate) that represents the needs of average people over the desires of corporations and the egregiously rich. If that is provided, I will be more than glad to participate, but NOT until then.
I'm doing the same thing this election.
ReplyDeleteOld chemistry joke:
ReplyDeleteIf you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate. ;^)
Progressive Majority finds and funds progressive candidates. A group well worth supporting. Or support one of the progressive legislation groups in your area -- I support the Center for Policy Initiatives, which is a watchdog for San Diego legislation. Find the groups in your area that are doing what you want, and support them.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that.
Progressive Majority is a Democratic front group. To my knowledge, they refuse to endorse Green Party or other third party candidates.
As to groups in my area, there aren't any. I even tried to start one, but there was too much apathy.
I guess I am just old fashioned when it comes to voting. Just like the occasional jury duty it is part of my responsibility as a citizen. Since I feel I have to vote I have to make a choice and I will chose what I consider the lesser of two evils. Were there a viable third party candidate that would be great and where my vote would go. I just think not voting is just giving up and conceding that you are powerless. I am not voting for the Dems but voting against the crazies. If the GOP/Tea party/crazy xians win the game at least I can feel that I didn't contribute to the madness. It is not much but I'll take what I can get.
ReplyDeleteI have often felt that we actually operate under a one-party system which pretends to be split into opposition parties. Maybe at one time they truly represented two different sides, but at some point both sold out to the corporate culture. It is very difficult for any third party to make inroads among voters, or even get onto the ballot in some states. This is why sometimes you find main-party candidates/associates who hold third-party views. For example, Ron Paul is a Republican with libertarian leanings, and Bernie Sanders is an Independent who caucuses with Democrats but has socialist views. But most Dumbos and Donkeys follow the usual script, and are not worth the vote.
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