Your vote is not a "statement".

[LoZoccolo]

It is a decision which affects millions of lives.

[BOSSHOG]

1. And a decision

I take very, very seriously. Actually we could say our votes effect billions of lives.

[saltpoint]

2. Of course it is. It is the statement of one citizen in a constitutional

republic.

[AndyA]

3. There was a campaign slogan years ago - I think it was Nixon's - but

I don't remember which year, that said, "This year, vote as if your life depended on it."

I think that's more true now than ever. In fact, I think I'll make that my new signature. It says a lot.

[Minnesota Libra]

6. Since it was public enough to be a slogan from Nixon..........

.....I am borrowing/stealing it too. That is perfect - especially this year. :wow: that is just too 2 perfect. :applause:

edited for spelling

[saltpoint]

11. Yes. Plus, Nixon is hardly in a position to object.

[the other one]

4. Nonsense. Its a vote.

In America your vote is nearly worthless because of the two party system. By depriving voters of candidates who really represent them, by forcing them to choose between such narrow possibilities, by making the vote "secret" the whole process has been demeaned.

Vote for whomever you want to, and don't let anyone tell you that you are throwing your vote away. Its only worth about 1 300 millionth anyway.

If you want the vote to mean something, then lets institute a parliamentary system. Then the candidates really will have to listen to the voters.

[saltpoint]

5. Love the idea of a parliamentary system, other one.

Can you imagine George Bush standing on his own two feet debating an issue in a U.S. parliament format?

He'd be chopped to bits in an instant.

[skipos]

7. Nader voters thought they were making a statement.

How did that work out?

[LoZoccolo]

10. Some people have even made statements back to them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xOdATCFM30

[skipos]

12. Funny. Since Nader's support dropped 85% from 2000 to 2004

I don't know if I ever even saw someone with a Nader 2004 sticker or shirt or anything.

[ulysses]

8. of course it is.

It's a statement of preference. That it is also a decision with impact doesn't negate that.

[Juffo Wup]

9. Exactly!

Beltway insiders who have never set foot where you live nor spoken to anyone that have should decide who our candidates are. Why should we idiot proles be allowed such luxuries as a choice in a democracy? Outrageous, I say.

[Dr Fate]

13. Like when Lieberman sides with Bush and supports illegal wars.

It is not a "statement" either, it is a decision which affects millions of lives.

Now when Lieberman said that "Democrats question the credibility of Bush at their own peril"- now THAT is a "statement." A very facist, far-right, un-American statement, but a statement, none-the-less.

[tkmorris]

14. Yes we do understand that

Moderates do not.

Calling yourself a Democrat while walking straight down the double yellow lines in the middle of the road accomplishes precisely jack for those millions of people. In fact, in this Neo-con dominated political environment, it is a sure-fire method for losing everything we've gained in the last few decades.

Don't misunderstand. I will not go and vote for a Green or whoever simply to protest that the person with the big 'D' after their name on the ballot is not left enough for me. I will however work to see that the person elected is as Liberal as is possible, key word being "possible".

That is why I support Lamont for example. Lieberman has betrayed us too many times, and Laqmont can win that seat. It's not a statement, it's a bona fide attempt to move the country leftward.