On this topic, I always thought my old man was a 100% spot on. It's easy to sit on the sideline and take shots at everyone. But, if you don't like how things are, be part of the solution instead of part of the problem. The least you could do is vote. You don't even have to go to the polls, just get an absentee ballot and vote by mail.
I see President Obama is out visiting colleges trying to get young people to vote. It seems that the very people who were instrumental in the president's victory, are now contemplating sitting out the election. Are you guys nuts. You might be disillusioned about the president's ability to deliver his agenda, but take a moment to check out the other side. The Republicans have spent the last two years just saying no to everything except when it comes to giving tax cuts to the wealthiest 2%. Well trust the King, the other side will give you plenty to bitch about if they become the majority party.
Remember my dad's admonishment, If you don't vote, don't bitch. Now get off your ass and go vote!
Completely correct. No voting, no bitching.
ReplyDeleteHere in Canada with the Westminster system we only vote for our representatives in the House of Commons. We don't get to vote for the Senators, they are appointed by the PM. The Executive branch consists of The Prime Minister and Governor General. The PM is the head of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons, so they are indirectly elected and due to the region based first past the post system can easily not actually represent a majority of the population. The Governor General is selected by the PM subject to approval by the Queen of England (as a formality these days).
That should be a new "Get Out the Vote" slogan - No voting, no bitching. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteThe only Republican on the ballot who will get my vote this year is our County Clerk. Why? Our county has the highest voting rate in the country. While a lot of that has to do with it being an affluent community, his efforts in making voting easier and more convenient have contributed significantly, as well. pay for performance, baby.
ReplyDeleteWhile I've never missed a general election (I'm not a dem or gop so I don't get to vote in primaries with no ballot measures) I've always thought this line of reasoning was potentially B.S. though I certainly understand the sentiment. In a political system where the two main parties exercise every ounce of power they have to maintain that power and are flipsides of the same coin (as opposed to opposing parties with truly different methodologies), I can definitely understand how one might become fed up and decide it didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteJaniece, I keep meeting you in strange places.
ReplyDeleteI will be voting for a Republican for Comptroller this year, the last elected one had to resign (and may do a year and a day) and the legislature appointed one of there own. He hasn't done badly, but he is beholden.
While I detest the Democratic candidate for governor (personality not qualifications), non of his opponents, except for maybe the hooker, are qualified.
I am glad there are still some Republicans out there that you think are doing a good enough job to deserve your vote. Remember - No Vote, No Bitching.
ReplyDeleteI've already voted here in Texas. We've got a particularly bad governor here (replaced GWB when he became President) and have a great Democrat to replace him. The former mayor of Houston (where I live) is of good character and will be better at governing our once great state.
ReplyDeleteThat should be a new "Get Out the Vote" slogan - No voting, no bitching. Nice post.
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