Why do you vote?

24

Comments

  • FiveB247x
    FiveB247x 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
  • Jeanwah
    Jeanwah 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.
  • inmytree
    inmytree 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...
  • inmytree
    inmytree 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...
  • Blockhead
    Blockhead 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?
  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,047
    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."
  • FiveB247x
    FiveB247x 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
  • inmytree
    inmytree 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... ;)
  • Claireack
    Claireack Posts: 13,561
    I vote because the Suffragettes fought for the right for women to vote.
    <a href="http://s952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/catkinson_2009/?action=view&current=domo.jpg&quot; target="_blank"><img src="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/catkinson_2009/domo.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
  • know1
    know1 Posts: 6,801
    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.
  • inmytree
    inmytree Posts: 4,741
    know1 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...

    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.

    so people should have to take some sort of test or something prior to voting...?

    perhaps an oath stating "I hereby solemnly swear that I'm informed to Know1's standards"...
  • FiveB247x
    FiveB247x Posts: 2,330
    I think they just mean that they're not voting because they don't like the candidates, and their non-choice is their decision.
    inmytree wrote:
    so people should have to take some sort of test or something prior to voting...?

    perhaps an oath stating "I hereby solemnly swear that I'm informed to Know1's standards"...
    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
  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,047
    try telling an african american before they got the vote that you are not voting. try telling a woman in the 1920s you are not going to vote and why...

    you are just choosing to not do something that minority groups and women have been fighting for the right to do in this country for centuries.

    to me not exorcising your right to vote is the same thing as a doctor witnessing a car accident and just driving past it without offering assistance. the doctor has a duty to act, and you have a duty to vote.
    "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."
  • Blockhead
    Blockhead Posts: 1,538
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    try telling an african american before they got the vote that you are not voting. try telling a woman in the 1920s you are not going to vote and why...

    you are just choosing to not do something that minority groups and women have been fighting for the right to do in this country for centuries.

    to me not exorcising your right to vote is the same thing as a doctor witnessing a car accident and just driving past it without offering assistance. the doctor has a duty to act, and you have a duty to vote.
    Not even close...
    The doctor is helping YOU (personally). Weather you vote or not politicians put corporate intrests first. THe world does not work they way it did in the 20's.
  • inmytree
    inmytree Posts: 4,741
    HeidiJam wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    try telling an african american before they got the vote that you are not voting. try telling a woman in the 1920s you are not going to vote and why...

    you are just choosing to not do something that minority groups and women have been fighting for the right to do in this country for centuries.

    to me not exorcising your right to vote is the same thing as a doctor witnessing a car accident and just driving past it without offering assistance. the doctor has a duty to act, and you have a duty to vote.
    Not even close...
    The doctor is helping YOU (personally). Weather you vote or not politicians put corporate intrests first. THe world does not work they way it did in the 20's.

    aaaa...the 1920's...those were days...I guess those robber barons had no political clout back then...
  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,047
    HeidiJam wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    try telling an african american before they got the vote that you are not voting. try telling a woman in the 1920s you are not going to vote and why...

    you are just choosing to not do something that minority groups and women have been fighting for the right to do in this country for centuries.

    to me not exorcising your right to vote is the same thing as a doctor witnessing a car accident and just driving past it without offering assistance. the doctor has a duty to act, and you have a duty to vote.
    Not even close...
    The doctor is helping YOU (personally). Weather you vote or not politicians put corporate intrests first. THe world does not work they way it did in the 20's.
    so don't vote then. fine by me... you can either be engaged in the process or not be engaged in it. i think it sets a poor example for one's kids to be so apathetic that they don't care enough to vote. some people around here are always so quick to point out that "people died to guarantee or preserve" whatever right but never when it comes to voting. just don't act like you are making some huge statement by staying home on election day because its been done a million times before....
    "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."
  • FiveB247x
    FiveB247x Posts: 2,330
    Yes it is great to be engaged, but to simply say voting constitutes that alone is not realistic. Yes it is good to install the sense of duty and potential to change things the right way by voting, but on the other hand it's a bit hypocritical and misleading to not recognize the legitimacy and practical side of such things. Voting is a great moral action, not so much in terms of looking for re-action through the process. And in terms of history and what people gave up and worked for, all that stuff is exactly that.. in the past, and we've long since given up any serious obligation to continue such lessons or practice in recent times. Mentioning it now is almost a dis-serve in my opinion.
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    so don't vote then. you can either be engaged in the process or not be engaged in it. i think it sets a poor example for one's kids to be so apathetic that they don't care enough to vote. some people around here are always so quick to point out that "people died to guarantee or preserve whatever right" but never when it comes to voting. just don't act like you are making some huge statement by staying home on election day because its been done a million times before....
    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
  • Blockhead
    Blockhead Posts: 1,538
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    so don't vote then. fine by me... you can either be engaged in the process or not be engaged in it. i think it sets a poor example for one's kids to be so apathetic that they don't care enough to vote. some people around here are always so quick to point out that "people died to guarantee or preserve" whatever right but never when it comes to voting. just don't act like you are making some huge statement by staying home on election day because its been done a million times before....
    I never said i was making a statement.
    I simply said i don't vote because 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.
    Are you going to disagree with that statement?
    I would say my reasoning for not voting is better than your reason for voting.
    The only way to change the systems is to acknowledge how it works and make a change. Now i am not saying not voting is the change that needs to be made, but voting just because is hardly making a statement.
    And i think it set a poor example for ones kids to acknowledge the way the system works and continually voting R and D and pretending that it makes any difference.
  • inmytree
    inmytree Posts: 4,741
    wow...folks are actually arguing against voting... :crazy:

    amazing...
  • gimmesometruth27
    gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 24,047
    HeidiJam wrote:
    gimmesometruth27 wrote:
    so don't vote then. fine by me... you can either be engaged in the process or not be engaged in it. i think it sets a poor example for one's kids to be so apathetic that they don't care enough to vote. some people around here are always so quick to point out that "people died to guarantee or preserve" whatever right but never when it comes to voting. just don't act like you are making some huge statement by staying home on election day because its been done a million times before....
    I never said i was making a statement.
    I simply said i don't vote because 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.
    Are you going to disagree with that statement?
    I would say my reasoning for not voting is better than your reason for voting.
    The only way to change the systems is to acknowledge how it works and make a change. Now i am not saying not voting is the change that needs to be made, but voting just because is hardly making a statement.
    And i think it set a poor example for ones kids to acknowledge the way the system works and continually voting R and D and pretending that it makes any difference.
    i'm glad im not so cynical. i think there is a huge difference between the D and the R. you can write in a candidate and vote against the people on the ballot. ever think of that?

    how would you change the system?? what are your ideas? how would you expect there to be any change in america without voting?

    look what happened in 2006, the dems won both houses and in 2008 obama won in a landslide. look what is going to happen in november, either the gop will win one or both houses, or their party-of-no platform will hurt their cause even more.
    "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."

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