VOTE DAMN IT

[the wiz]

I DON'T CARE WHO YOU VOTE FOR OR WHY YOU VOTED. JUST GOT OUT AND VOTE.

 

[Sandrock74]

I already did!

 

[Texas_Tickle]

I agree. Whether you want to vote McCain/Obama or just write in Mickey Mouse (as I am tempted to do), just go vote.

This could very well be the most important election of our generation.

 

[Capnmad]

Already did it! I was ballot #348, but I placed the 357th vote at my polling station.

I voted Democrat on some things, Republican on others, and a write-in on one where someone was running unopposed -- 'cause folks like that need opposition!

 

[Excess]

Y'know what? I have a good mind NOT to vote at all, just for spite. Then I can say "Yeah, I didn't vote for him so it's not my fault the country is fucked up" and hear everyone BAAAAAW about how I have no rights because I didn't vote. I like how everyone keeps on about how you should because it's a choice that you're lucky to have the freedom to make, even though it stops being a choice when you HAVE to do so.

 

[slacker2114]

Done deal. And it didn't hurt a bit.

 

[Babyshambles]

I DON'T CARE WHO YOU VOTE FOR OR WHY YOU VOTED. JUST GOT OUT AND VOTE.[/SIZE]

Why?

Leaving aside the fact that you're vote probably doesn't count anyway, I believe abstinence of voting sends an even more important message than somebody going along and ticking the box of somebody for the hell of it.

Yes - people have fought for democracy. And yes, it is such a privilege in a free society to have a say in who controls and governs us.

But exactly how free is a society in which we HAVE to vote?

I believe in the freedom to abstain from voting. That said - people should really vote if they are able to.

 

[Snail Shell]

It's not my election, but I'm a huge fan of democracy.

Go vote. If you don't make your voice heard, others speak for you, regardless of your opinion.

Snail Shell

 

[whyguy2]

I was there when the polls opened at 7 am. I was the seventh person in line to vote

 

[slacker2114]

Why?

Leaving aside the fact that you're vote probably doesn't count anyway, I believe abstinence of voting sends an even more important message than somebody going along and ticking the box of somebody for the hell of it.

Yes - people have fought for democracy. And yes, it is such a privilege in a free society to have a say in who controls and governs us.

But exactly how free is a society in which we HAVE to vote?

I believe in the freedom to abstain from voting. That said - people should really vote if they are able to.

I think you're missing the point. You don't HAVE to vote. There are many who choose not to. But in theory, if you want things to change, then it's probably a good idea to do it.

It's not like we're being held at gunpoint to do it.

 

[the wiz]

Why?

Leaving aside the fact that you're vote probably doesn't count anyway, I believe abstinence of voting sends an even more important message than somebody going along and ticking the box of somebody for the hell of it.

Yes - people have fought for democracy. And yes, it is such a privilege in a free society to have a say in who controls and governs us.

But exactly how free is a society in which we HAVE to vote?

I believe in the freedom to abstain from voting. That said - people should really vote if they are able to.

I have to disagree;

Freedom isn't free; it's a heavy cost and someone has to pay it.

you don't realize how much freedom you have until it's been taken alway from you.

Yes, you have the right to vote or not to vote
Yes, you have the right to agree or disagree
Yes, you have the right to stay or go

yet, someone died so you can have these rights; someone stood up and said they was not going to take the status quote.

So, yes your vote does count; if it didn't they wouldn't spend so much time trying to figure out ways to keep you from voting.

 

[Babyshambles]

I have to disagree;

Freedom isn't free; it's a heavy cost and someone has to pay it.

you don't realize how much freedom you have until it's been taken alway from you.

Yes, you have the right to vote or not to vote
Yes, you have the right to agree or disagree
Yes, you have the right to stay or go

yet, someone died so you can have these rights; someone stood up and said they was not going to take the status quote.

So, yes your vote does count; if it didn't they wouldn't spend so much time trying to figure out ways to keep you from voting.

I know it's paradoxical, but when people feel compelled to vote, they have lost the freedom not to vote and not to care.

And there will never be an election in history where people will have to vote for freedom or slavery.

However, perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps a low voter turn out damages democracy and reduces the mandate of our elected leaders to govern.

I just don't like people telling me what to do - even if it is blatantly good for me.

I dare say that if you told me to breathe, I would be tempted to hold my breath in protest.

 

[Sandrock74]

I dare say that if you told me to breathe, I would be tempted to hold my breath in protest.

Yeah, THAT makes sense...

 

[Babyshambles]

Yeah, THAT makes sense...

Are you being serious?

Surely the absurdity of the statement reflects the strength of negative feeling I have against anybody telling me what to do.

Or perhaps the irony of the statement wasn't lost on you and you are actuall encouraging me to hold my breath?

 

[kis123]

I know it's paradoxical, but when people feel compelled to vote, they have lost the freedom not to vote and not to care.

And there will never be an election in history where people will have to vote for freedom or slavery.

However, perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps a low voter turn out damages democracy and reduces the mandate of our elected leaders to govern.

I just don't like people telling me what to do - even if it is blatantly good for me.

I dare say that if you told me to breathe, I would be tempted to hold my breath in protest.

What on earth are you talking about???

So you'd rather let others do your thinking and talking for you?

As a black female, both blacks and women fought, were jailed, chased by dogs, attacked with firehoses, and were beaten and shot just so I can have the right to vote. And you think I'm sitting home on election day?? Hell no! Besides my mother would twist in her grave if I did; she lived in an era where women of color had few rights and choices and she made sure I respected and honored that with EVERY election.

Some of you young folks have no idea of what you're talking about! It's been laid out for you by your ancestors and you don't respect the importance of history at all. I simply don't get it!

And btw wiz, I voted almost a week ago-early voting rocks!!!

 

[SamuelKhan]

A dreary June morning in 1944, men who stood for freedom and liberty risking ALL against tyranny and slavery that gripped a continent for four years fought, wounded and ultimately died so that democracy could live on.

Some of us don't appreciate the sacrifices these men made in Europe and the Pacific. They made it possible for you to vote for your choice of candidate. We Republicans, Democrats and Independents should be thankful.

I celebrate and honor Veteran's Day a week early today.

Thank you.

 

[Babyshambles]

A dreary June morning in 1944, men who stood for freedom and liberty risking ALL against tyranny and slavery that gripped a continent for four years fought, wounded and ultimately died so that democracy could live on.

Some of us don't appreciate the sacrifices these men made in Europe and the Pacific. They made it possible for you to vote for your choice of candidate. We Republicans, Democrats and Independents should be thankful.

I celebrate and honor Veteran's Day a week early today.

Thank you.

Hey. ME TOO. We have remembrance Sunday. I wear my poppy with pride.

However, those men and women did not fight tyranny to be forced to vote by their government. If you want to vote - vote. If you think both candidates are pathetic wannabes who will trick and decive anybody to get into power and would rather not vote - that's fine too.

I have always voted, but I reserve my right not to vote.

I don't want to live in a society where my neighbour can force me to vote - not least because he's old and welsh and intolerant.

 

[Adam]

My late grandfather was a D-Day survivor. Earned a Purple Heart as a result of taking a bullet. I always have and always will respect him greatly. I respect all of our veterans who have made such sacrifices.

But please, let us not use that to guilt trip those who choose not to vote. Just my 2 cents. Thank you kindly for reading.

 

[Excess]

But please, let us not use that to guilt trip those who choose not to vote. Just my 2 cents. Thank you kindly for reading.

And thank you for actually being understanding. I haven't decided NOT to vote but I will later. People need to let it go. Too many voters getting this mindset that somehow anyone who doesn't vote is a horrible person who doesn't 'respect' the rights that we've been given. Most likely to justify some part of the importance that voting makes them feel. I just point and laugh myself.

 

[kis123]

And thank you for actually being understanding. I haven't decided NOT to vote but I will later. People need to let it go. Too many voters getting this mindset that somehow anyone who doesn't vote is a horrible person who doesn't 'respect' the rights that we've been given. Most likely to justify some part of the importance that voting makes them feel. I just point and laugh myself.

Well, then maybe you should be just as respectful for those of us who DO find the right to vote important if you expect the same treatment.

And no, I don't believe that a person who willingly chooses not to vote truly understands the rights and what others before them did to give you said rights.

Everyone has the right to vote, but the choice not to. I can't tell you what to do, but in my family, there is no choice-just an exercise of your rights.

 

[the wiz]

I know it's paradoxical, but when people feel compelled to vote, they have lost the freedom not to vote and not to care.

And there will never be an election in history where people will have to vote for freedom or slavery.

However, perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps a low voter turn out damages democracy and reduces the mandate of our elected leaders to govern.

I just don't like people telling me what to do - even if it is blatantly good for me.

I dare say that if you told me to breathe, I would be tempted to hold my breath in protest.

LOL;

believe me I agree with you; i hate people telling me what to do. However, there are times that even thou I hate it so much. Sometimes it's for my good; like the time my father told me not to stick the fork in the electrical socket. I never did because I was more afraid of my father than i was curious about the socket.

But, do what is best for you.

 

[kis123]

My late grandfather was a D-Day survivor. Earned a Purple Heart as a result of taking a bullet. I always have and always will respect him greatly. I respect all of our veterans who have made such sacrifices.

But please, let us not use that to guilt trip those who choose not to vote. Just my 2 cents. Thank you kindly for reading.

It's not a guilt trip at all IMO. But if a person doesn't vote and things don't go their way, I feel they don't have a right to complain about it either!

If a person wants to sit at home and not exercise their voting rights, they have the choice to do so and I really don't care. I just don't and won't understand why they would want to.

 

[kis123]

Hey. ME TOO. We have remembrance Sunday. I wear my poppy with pride.

However, those men and women did not fight tyranny to be forced to vote by their government. If you want to vote - vote. If you think both candidates are pathetic wannabes who will trick and decive anybody to get into power and would rather not vote - that's fine too.

I have always voted, but I reserve my right not to vote.

I don't want to live in a society where my neighbour can force me to vote - not least because he's old and welsh and intolerant.

Government's not forcing to you to vote; no one's dragging you out of your home and forcing you to the polls. You are making a conscious choice so just own up to that and let the rest go.

 

[Excess]

Well, then maybe you should be just as respectful for those of us who DO find the right to vote important if you expect the same treatment.

Did I offend you somehow? Because I don't recall being disrespectful to those who vote. My comments apply to those who feel that everyone should vote just because, and don't respect those who may choose not to.

And no, I don't believe that a person who willingly chooses not to vote truly understands the rights and what others before them did to give you said rights.

Then go ahead and believe that. Just don't go pushing those beliefs on everyone in an effort to invoke guilt or something.

Everyone has the right to vote, but the choice not to. I can't tell you what to do, but in my family, there is no choice-just an exercise of your rights.

But exercising your right IS a choice. Just like you have the right to choose not to vote.

Also:

It's not a guilt trip at all IMO. But if a person doesn't vote and things don't go their way, I feel they don't have a right to complain about it either!

Oh don't worry, I'm not going to complain about if the president's decisions and such doesn't go my way. I'm just going to complain about those that voted for them. lol

 

[Deleted member 66627]

What the hell does it matter?

Either you go out and vote, or you don't.

The why's and how's are irrelevant. If someone doesn't want to vote, they're not going to. Let them decide if they want to change their mind and go out and vote.

Unless they are saying it publically in hopes of someone trying to push them to because they can't do it themselves.