To vote or not to vote...
Hmmm...Help me out here my peoples....
The other day I got into a rather "heated" discussion with a co-worker concerning the right to vote and whether or not the act of not voting was in itself an unforgivable evil. Any input on the subject from you guys would be most appreciated. Let me define the two opposing points of view if I may:
co-worker's point of view:"Everyone should vote regardless of whether or not they like a candidate because our people died trying to vote, they lost their lives attempting to exercise their right to vote and besides, if you don't vote then you have no right to complain about anyone in office or participate in the freedoms other citizens enjoy."
my point of view:
" I do not believe that the act of not voting is a greater evil in itself. I myself can not vote for a person if I do not agree with their principles or their platform. I know my forefathers died trying to vote, but for me it would be unthinkable to cast a vote for someone for the mere sake of saying I voted. Or to vote for someone because they are the lesser of two evils. I think by not voting for somone who does not move me sends a far more powerful and meaningful signal from me that I do not accept the staus quo. Sure if I do not vote then I shouldn't complain about who's in office and I don't. But at least my conscience will remain free that I didn't help to elect a complete fool. Now of course I urge everyone to vote if you believe the person you are voting for can improve your lot in life, etc., but don't vote just for the sake of it. If you do vote, then vote intelligently and not as part of some mass hysteria...and if you don't vote by lieu of not being moved by the hype, then hold your head up and be proud that you still make a difference.
Now what's your spin on this issue? What is more important to you? To vote for the sake of voting regardless of whether you believe in somone or to not vote if necessary if neither candidate is moving your heart?
~1~
artist greggy on 02.22.04 @ 09:44 AM EST
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