This 4th of July, we watched 1776 on TCM. I love that musical, and I felt the familiar stirring of national pride when the members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration. Which is why my current thoughts are so sad. I don't really want to get political here. Frankly, I don't want to get political anywhere. So, without getting into specifics or issues, I'll simply say this. I'm thinking about...*whispers*...not voting this year.
Before everyone gets their Constitutional Tomatoes ready to throw, I know voting is every citizen's duty, as well as their right. That people fought, suffered, and died for me to have that right. And the suffragettes had to fight, in many instances, their own husbands so I could have the right to vote. My voice can be heard and if I don't vote I don't get to complain and blah blah blahbitty blah.
The problem is, for whom do you cast your vote when there is no one running you want to elect? I've never voted straight party line in my life, but it is frustrating when the person I was backing didn't win the primaries. What now? Party or even philosophy (liberal or conservative) will tell you Too. Bad. Vote for the one who won the primary or This Evil Guy from the other side might win! But that feels wrong too. I want to vote for somebody, not vote against somebody else.
And my citizenship fervor becomes as appealing as lukewarm coffee when it looks as if I'll be voting for the lesser of two evils. Sigh.
On the other hand, most of the people I'd really like to see in the job have way too much sense to get involved in that mess. I just wish there was an option on the ballot that read: None of the Above.
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8 comments:
I feel like you, but I read a quote once that said something to the extent of - there may be nothing that you want to vote FOR, but there are sure to be things you want to vote AGAINST. ; )
Happy 4th!
Vote empty.
That's a way to show you don't like anyone, that there isn't enough choices for you. And if a lot of people vote empty, it also tells something.
If there was a ballot option that read "None of the Above" then "none of the above" would probably be president! I get more disenchanted with politics every year because even if you have a great candidate with great ideas and solid plans, as soon as he/she sets foot in the big office all those finely laid plans get shot to hell by the House, the Senate and everyone else. It is discouraging.
The option is to spoil the ballot. (You may have a different term)
That way the act and right of voting is registered - just not any of the choices.
Don't like it when the social engineers want to change the system and use voter apathy as an excuse to do so.
Happy 4th to you, Alice!
Ann, that's an intriguing idea.
Yes, Beth. It's hard to believe the Prez will do much of anything if he can't the Congress to go along with it.
Bernita, I'm not familiar with the term but I think it's along the lines of what Ann said. It's starting to feel right.
I thought I'd write again regarding you comment from the previous post. I happen to adore Kresley Cole and her Immortals After Dark series. She's funny (and there's good smut) and her books aren't sappy at all. You should check her out if you like paranormal romance at all.
Alice, I'll probably do a library visit for it; I've saturated myself with paranormals lately. I've read quite a few vamp series but I'm not the biggest vamp fan. I like shapeshifters better.;)
What you do is vote and write in a candidate you would like instead of picking by party or choosing among those listed. It's still your vote. Besides, it's not an election just for the president; it's also for congress and for local and state issues, too.
But you are an adult and can make this decision for yourself. Vote or not: your choice!
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