Why do you vote?

BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
edited August 2010 in A Moving Train
Simple question here. I see alot of people talking in the other threads about how they think all politicians are scum. Then why even vote.
Why I don't vote - Its simple you’re not going to get change from the political party that clearly, tragically serves corporate interests over anything else. That’s the way the system works.
Post edited by Unknown User on
«13

Comments

  • jg1988jg1988 Posts: 181
    i vote...it only serves to fulfill the false notion of having a voice. of course this is not true since the electoral college has that voice and has no obligation to listen to voters anyway...voting is a tool to make people feel empowered, not BE empowered.
  • unsungunsung I stopped by on March 7 2024. First time in many years, had to update payment info. Hope all is well. Politicians suck. Bye. Posts: 9,487
    I vote because I have the right to. Many people on this planet don't. It shouldn't be taken for granted.
  • CommyCommy Posts: 4,984
    ah yes, throwing my single vote in support of this militant capitalist or that one....what a choice. :roll:


    i still believe if voting could change the system it would be illegal.....still, if all the nonvoters supported a single candidate they could get him elected.



    still, change doesnt' come from a ballot.
  • DPrival78DPrival78 CT Posts: 2,263
    unsung wrote:
    I vote because I have the right to. Many people on this planet don't. It shouldn't be taken for granted.

    but if that vote you have a right to is just a farce, what does it matter?
    i'm more a fan of popular bands.. like the bee-gees, pearl jam
  • yokeyoke Posts: 1,440
    because I have nothing else to do on Tuesday nights...
























    honestly, because I think that I am making a difference when in fact I am not. But I will continue to vote, even in my local elections.
    Thats a lovely accent you have. New Jersey?

    www.seanbrady.net
  • markin ballmarkin ball Posts: 1,075
    The real question should be...why do we keep voting for such tools that are no different from the other tool they are running against? They get us all riled up on things either side never really does anything about like gay marriage, abortion, illegal immigration. The real question is why do we keep voting these same tools in?
    "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win ."

    "With our thoughts we make the world"
  • unsungunsung I stopped by on March 7 2024. First time in many years, had to update payment info. Hope all is well. Politicians suck. Bye. Posts: 9,487
    Because people are stupid and will vote for who the media tells them to, instead of researching the candidate themselves.

    The media decides the frontrunners, and then delivers the hype. People need to turn off the TV.



    But I see some candidates re-elected because there are many people who don't want change. Their life depends on certain policies.
  • fuckfuck Posts: 4,069
    I don't vote but I shamelessly encourage others to.
  • youngsteryoungster Boston Posts: 6,576
    He who forgets will be destined to remember.

    9/29/04 Boston, 6/28/08 Mansfield, 8/23/09 Chicago, 5/15/10 Hartford
    5/17/10 Boston, 10/15/13 Worcester, 10/16/13 Worcester, 10/25/13 Hartford
    8/5/16 Fenway, 8/7/16 Fenway
    EV Solo: 6/16/11 Boston, 6/18/11 Hartford,
  • dimitrispearljamdimitrispearljam Posts: 139,721
    here its the law,i have to...but my vote is so clear,cost me 1$ from good section
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id= ... 1154506885
    "...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
    "..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
    “..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
  • ONCE DEVIDEDONCE DEVIDED Posts: 1,131
    have to by law in australia
    AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    have to by law in australia

    well all you really need to do is get your name ticked off. after that its up to you whether you vote or not.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • lukin2006lukin2006 Posts: 9,087
    HeidiJam wrote:
    Simple question here. I see alot of people talking in the other threads about how they think all politicians are scum. Then why even vote.
    Why I don't vote - Its simple you’re not going to get change from the political party that clearly, tragically serves corporate interests over anything else. That’s the way the system works.

    Last time I voted was for Dalton Mcguinty for Premier Of Ontario Canada in 2003, I voted for him because he said he was not going to raise my taxes, since then he is responsible for the 2 largest tax increases in Ontario history. I will never vote again. I agree totally with you that politicians only serve corporate interests. Someway, somehow we have to let these bastards know that we are the leaders that we have the power, if we don't we are doomed.
    I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin

    "Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    I vote cause I know I'd catch serious hell from Mr. Vedder if I didn't. He is my political conscience :D
    Really though, it's our right and "they" whomever that is, might prefer we didn't always exercise it so by golly I'm gonna.Besides makes you feel good doesn't it?
  • unsungunsung I stopped by on March 7 2024. First time in many years, had to update payment info. Hope all is well. Politicians suck. Bye. Posts: 9,487
    If you don't vote you shouldn't complain.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    HeidiJam wrote:
    Simple question here. I see alot of people talking in the other threads about how they think all politicians are scum. Then why even vote.
    Why I don't vote - Its simple you’re not going to get change from the political party that clearly, tragically serves corporate interests over anything else. That’s the way the system works.

    I rarely do vote. It's pointless. Even if they weren't all scum and the government wasn't corrupt and broken, I still would have trouble voting for someone who would uphold all of my beliefs for the term of office. This is especially true since I have beliefs that lie on both sides of the fence.

    With technology, I think we could move to a system were we should be allowed to directly vote on issues as a public and not have to rely on representatives who are likely on the take.

    Of course, then there's always the argument recently put forth by a judge in California that the majority shouldn't always be allowed to determine policy. That is a very scary thing to me.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • Just so people know you don't have to vote for a Republican or Democrat, there is such a thing as a 3rd party candidate.
    For every tool they lend us, a loss of independence
  • FiveB247xFiveB247x Posts: 2,330
    This always seems to be a ridiculous argument to me. The reality is voting is a deluded process which holds little baring over what is done in our nation. The citizens voice is rarely if ever listened too. So to simply say voting equates to a right to complain is silly... more likely, if you pay no taxes, you have no right to complain. That'd be more appropriate. And in fact, those who do vote in poor representatives are the ones responsible for their poor decisions... so just perhaps, voters shouldn't complain as they're the ones enabling the poor results (which is continual).
    unsung wrote:
    If you don't vote you shouldn't complain.
    CONservative governMENt

    Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a law-breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. - Louis Brandeis
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    unsung wrote:
    If you don't vote you shouldn't complain.

    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    inmytree wrote:
    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...
    Please explain to me the power of voting???
    And please tell me where i said i don't vote because my candidate didn't win.
    This was my reason "Its simple you’re not going to get change from the political party that clearly, tragically serves corporate interests over anything else. That’s the way the system works."
    So why do you vote? just because you can??? You can do alot of things, thats not a very good reason.
  • FiveB247xFiveB247x Posts: 2,330
    Yes I agree that everyone should vote out of their ability too and as part of their civic duty. But most of the problems we have aren't a result of simply people not voting, it's got more to do with the fact that every 2-4yrs (pending on the election), that's all people do. Pressing a button every 2-4 yrs does not simply give you any more right to complain about someone who doesn't. Also, elections aren't popularity contests, but it seems like in our ever growing polarized nation, it has turned into such. Voting isn't about winning and anyone who says it's a waste cause their side didn't win shouldn't be taken serious to begin with.
    inmytree wrote:
    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...
    CONservative governMENt

    Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a law-breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. - Louis Brandeis
  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    If you give up voting, you give up altogether and that's exactly what the govt wants. Total indifference, so they can do what they do without any of the population caring. I understand that voting doesn't get us anywhere but that's because the system and election process is flawed. I vote and I write my representatives. If you insist on being asleep at the wheel, guess who wins.
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    HeidiJam wrote:
    inmytree wrote:
    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...
    Please explain to me the power of voting???
    And please tell me where i said i don't vote because my candidate didn't win.
    This was my reason "Its simple you’re not going to get change from the political party that clearly, tragically serves corporate interests over anything else. That’s the way the system works."
    So why do you vote? just because you can??? You can do alot of things, thats not a very good reason.

    well, it's my reason...you asked a question and I answered...sorry if my answer is not good enough for you...

    and why so defensive...? I was speaking in general terms, which here means: it's not always about you...

    and if you're so upset about who is running for office...quit complaining and run for office...
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    FiveB247x wrote:
    Yes I agree that everyone should vote out of their ability too and as part of their civic duty. But most of the problems we have aren't a result of simply people not voting, it's got more to do with the fact that every 2-4yrs (pending on the election), that's all people do. Pressing a button every 2-4 yrs does not simply give you any more right to complain about someone who doesn't. Also, elections aren't popularity contests, but it seems like in our ever growing polarized nation, it has turned into such. Voting isn't about winning and anyone who says it's a waste cause their side didn't win shouldn't be taken serious to begin with.
    inmytree wrote:
    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...


    for me, I find it hard to take seriously anyone who doesn't vote...it's not that hard...
  • BlockheadBlockhead Posts: 1,538
    inmytree wrote:
    well, it's my reason...you asked a question and I answered...sorry if my answer is not good enough for you...

    and why so defensive...? I was speaking in general terms, which here means: it's not always about you...

    and if you're so upset about who is running for office...quit complaining and run for office...
    There you go agian, making things up. Please tell me where i am complaining about anything. I asked a question.
    I never said it was all about me. I am upset about the system, and the fact that people think their fixing the problem by wearing a sticker that says "I voted".
    Do you think your reason for voting is good? Because you can.
    If your wife cheated on you and you asked why and she said "because I can" would you accept that answer?
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 23,303
    i vote because it is my civic duty. it may not get my guy into office, but i am doing my part to keep a guy i do not want representing me getting that job. you can vote against people and against propositions as well. it is the same reason i have attended protests, it is my civic duty...i am 35 years old and i am proud to say i have not missed an election since i turned 18. our government is based on people choosing their representatives and voting up or down on issues. i think it is a very cynical and defeatist to think "i am not going to vote because my vote does not count and nothing will ever change". the way i see it, "at least i tried to make a difference" and i can sleep at night knowing i did what i could.
    "You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry."  - Lincoln

    "Well, you tell him that I don't talk to suckas."
  • FiveB247xFiveB247x Posts: 2,330
    But the assumption is that voting is a good thing or that it changes things... and both of these things can easily be torn down. If all someone does is vote one day a year and the rest of time check out, it is probably worse in the long term than simply not voting at all. Most of our nation doesn't vote, stay inform or participate, our system is corrupt and the government doesn't change for the people's will.. so what part of this scenario actually reflects that voting matters? Albeit, I do think people should, I don't delude myself to think it matters all that much.
    inmytree wrote:
    for me, I find it hard to take seriously anyone who doesn't vote...it's not that hard...
    CONservative governMENt

    Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a law-breaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. - Louis Brandeis
  • inmytreeinmytree Posts: 4,741
    HeidiJam wrote:
    There you go agian, making things up. Please tell me where i am complaining about anything. I asked a question.
    I never said it was all about me. I am upset about the system, and the fact that people think their fixing the problem by wearing a sticker that says "I voted".
    Do you think your reason for voting is good? Because you can.
    If your wife cheated on you and you asked why and she said "because I can" would you accept that answer?

    :lol:
    Please tell me where i am complaining about anything

    then
    I am upset about the system, and the fact that people think their fixing the problem by wearing a sticker that says "I voted".

    :lol:

    Let me expand on my "because I can" answer...perhaps it will help relieve some stress for you...

    I vote because I live in a country that allows me to do so without fear of repercussion...in other words...because I can... ;)
  • ClaireackClaireack Posts: 13,561
    I vote because the Suffragettes fought for the right for women to vote.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    inmytree wrote:

    I agree...

    and to answer the question "why do I vote"...because I can..

    I find it amusing that some dismiss the power of voting...just because your candidate didn't win doesn't mean voting is waste of time...it's like taking your ball and going home when you're losing...

    I do not agree that someone should vote just because they can. If I do not feel there is a candidate running who would represent me properly, than not voting for either is a way of making an informed choice.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Sign In or Register to comment.