Trey Smith
The US government doesn’t even do what the majority of the citizens want. In fact, these days it flat out ignores what we the people want.Lindorff lists several important policy issues in which polls indicate a significant majority of Americans want z and how the government gives us w, x or y. For me, this really goes to the heart of the voting question. What good is it to vote if the people elected continually ignore the will of the people?
~ from America a Democracy? Really? by Dave Lindorff ~
The whole idea of voting is that it gives you -- the voter -- a say in how your country, state, county or city is run. It provides the illusion that your voice matters. Unfortunately, if the people getting elected ignore the will of a significant majority, then what have you gained by voting?
The answer to that question is one that too many Americans don't want to look at. The reason they don't want to look at it is that it is painful. So, they keep voting and keep telling themselves that it will, somehow, make a difference.
There is only one slight problem with this formula -- it does NOT make a difference. These days it doesn't matter if you vote for the arch conservative or the so-called flaming liberal. In regards to most the important issues of the day -- save for a few "social" issues -- these two adversaries remarkably support the same policies. About the ONLY difference between the two -- in many cases, there is no difference at all -- is in the manner of degree. The conservatives want BIG cuts, while the "liberals" want big cuts minus a hair.
This is why I will not be voting this November or anytime in the foreseeable future. I see no reason to waste my time on this futile exercise. If the candidates elected are going to ignore the voice of the masses anyway, what's the point in speaking to them at all?
People just keep voting for the wrong candidates. Voting DOES matter. You just have elect people who actually care about the well being of the people.
ReplyDeletePeople like Jill E. Stein
The least you can do is endorse her
Jill Stein has no chance of making any sort of impact. She won't be on the ballot in all of the states and, with next to no media coverage, she'll be lucky to garner or 1 or 2 percent of the vote, if that much.
DeleteAnd you call me the pessimistic one
ReplyDeleteI'm just being realistic and pragmatic. I use to be the State Treasurer for the Green Parties in both Oregon and Washington, so I know what they are up against. The system is set up for non-corporate parties to fail.
DeleteTrey is right. It's very difficult for third parties to get on the ballot where I live. The Greens can't get enough signatures to qualify. Only the Libertarians, and I think one other conservative party has ever been listed here besides the Reps and Dems.
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