Wasting a vote?
I had a very brief Twitter conversation the other night about this upcoming election which got me to thinking about who am I going to vote for and am I better off not voting just because I can't choose one over the other.
The conversation started with a statement by the other person saying something to the effect that neither candidate is the clear choice in his mind. To which I responded that I have been having the same thought. I also said that he should remember to take a coin with him when he goes to vote so that he can toss it up and let chance choose for him. His response was that he was probably not going to vote at all because he wasn't the type to vote based on a "lesser evil" (my interpretation not his). This got me to thinking, is that really a good thing? Isn't that "wasting" a vote? Now don't get me wrong, I'm not judging that person with this post. I am in fact grateful for the conversation because it did get me thinking about the subject that I have kind of been avoiding. Who am I going to vote for and am I better off not doing so since I can't make up my mind, especially in the Governor's primary race. To understand where I am coming from and why I would even consider not voting and just letting the chips fall where they may is because not one of the candidates have distanced themselves from each other in my mind. I think they make valid points on both sides about their qualifications and I think they both take jabs at each other in their own ways that I don't necessarily like as well. Those in either camp will probably say that there are huge differences and they have been pointing them out to me for months on end now and I am just being lazy and stupid. And that very well could be, but that is neither here nor there. The fact remains that in MY mind, they are essentially the same. So both candidates being the same and say equally good and bad, does it really matter who wins? So no sense vote right? Well, here is where I have to say I don't think that is going to be my choice. I think there is another factor and that is relationships. I have a number of friends who are involved in the campaign and although none has outright asked who am I going to vote for or how can they get my vote, I think my relationship with them requires my participation in this election by voting for the person who they are supporting. Now, is this right? I mean, my friends aren't the ones who are getting into office. How could voting based on who they are supporting be the right thing to do? I think this is the right thing to do because:So I WILL BE casting a vote this election. Who it will be for I am really not sure of yet, but at least I know my vote will not be thrown away. How about you?
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2 comments
A very interesting and thought provoking post that should get others to look within themselves, do some soul searching and get more interested. Although I am not real certain as to which candidates you are referring to, I do have a hunch.
With that said, I believe there are major differences which are quite obvious. Perhaps asking these questions and others like these might help on critical issues. For example: one controversial issue which is black or white and not grey is one's belief or posture on the definition of traditional marriage and one's position on HB-444 Civil Unions. Another is observing behavior. Often times action speaks much louder than words. For example: one candidate appears frequently (especially around election time) at Christian Churches and Services. In essence to give a false impression of being a Christian yet instead actually being part of and committed to another faith. Moreover, in a recent debate and while doing the closing remarks one candidate in reference to faith said "I am what I am." Further on action speaks louder than words, another example is where one has taken a higher road in campaigning, while the other appears to have not. Which tells me on the integrity scale candidates are at extreme opposing ends and polar opposites. There are many other obvious differences but w/o going further I think you get the point.
Thanks again Russ for allowing me to share my 2 cents and for encouraging others to do likewise. And, to take our privilege of voting more seriously. To remind us too that it was because of countless sacrifices made that we as Americans are able to (vote).
Wes
I love the comment about "observing behavior". I love to look at things like that too. Assuming I am that interested in doing so.
And yes, I am sure there are many points that many people will say are very black and white and I do appreciate you pointing them out to me. But the main point of my post was actually not specific to any race per se, but more a decision based on a situation.
If all candidates are equal, is it better to just toss your vote or is it better to look for other factors to make your choice.
So good to hear from you! Glad to hear you are also not going to the game alone tonight. Hahaha. Go Warriors!
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Check out Hawaii: In Real Life! Where the virtual meets reality. - http://www.HawaiiIRL.com
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