Current Events > By not voting, I am exercising my American rights just as much as the voters.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Tyranthraxus posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

We live in a country where we are allowed to choose whether or not we want to vote.

I understand the importance of voting. However, I also understand the freedom to choose. Voters who crucify non-voters for exercising said freedom do not fully grasp the concept of what it means to be free.

Do you understand that your freedom is at risk right now?

Go on?
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I think the issue is more that people say, "It's my right not to vote" and then think that it magically should make them immune to criticism. Yes, you can choose not to vote, and I can say that you are making a huge mistake and say it's idiotic not to vote, and both of us are well within our rights. Me criticizing your choice is not an attack on your freedom, it's an expression of mine.

Dash_Harber posted...

I think the issue is more that people say, "It's my right not to vote" and then think that it magically should make them immune to criticism. Yes, you can choose not to vote, and I can say that you are making a huge mistake and say it's idiotic not to vote, and both of us are well within our rights. Me criticizing your choice is not an attack on your freedom, it's an expression of mine.

That I can agree with. I'm okay with being expressing their opinions about me, and vice-versa. That's what makes this country great!
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Trickfinger posted...

TrevorBlack79 posted...

Dampproof posted...

Trickfinger posted...

A_Good_Boy posted...

Just as long as you don't comment on politics then you can not vote to your hearts content.

That's not how this works.

unfortunately

It has similarities to commenting on music when you don't write music or have anything to do with the process at all, other than listening to it. People still comment and critique it. Yes, there is a difference between commenting on music and commenting on politics. However, the similarity of critiquing something that you don't have much to do with, other than being an observer, is still there.
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Muffinz0rz posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

I think the issue is more that people say, "It's my right not to vote" and then think that it magically should make them immune to criticism. Yes, you can choose not to vote, and I can say that you are making a huge mistake and say it's idiotic not to vote, and both of us are well within our rights. Me criticizing your choice is not an attack on your freedom, it's an expression of mine.

That I can agree with. I'm okay with being expressing their opinions about me, and vice-versa. That's what makes this country great!

Definitely, and I think it's idiotic not to vote!

Voting literally does nothing of significance. Its hilarious that people still think it does.
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karlpilkington4 posted...

Voting literally does nothing of significance. Its hilarious that people still think it does.

It turned a reality star into a president, so I wouldn't say nothing.

karlpilkington4 posted...

Voting literally does nothing of significance. Its hilarious that people still think it does.

This exactly. If voting did anything, it would be illegal.

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.
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FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Not voting should absolutely be an option, but let's be clear.... if you are a non-voter, especially if you are a chronic non-voter, you're essentially putting a mark next to you name so that candidates and elected officials know they can ignore you. Your ability to impact their election is all that the vast majority of politicians care about, so they can easily access publicly available voter records (and more detailed party records) and see that you vote extremely irregularly or especially never, they know that they can take your concerns with a grain of salt.
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Dash_Harber posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

I think the issue is more that people say, "It's my right not to vote" and then think that it magically should make them immune to criticism. Yes, you can choose not to vote, and I can say that you are making a huge mistake and say it's idiotic not to vote, and both of us are well within our rights. Me criticizing your choice is not an attack on your freedom, it's an expression of mine.

That I can agree with. I'm okay with being expressing their opinions about me, and vice-versa. That's what makes this country great!

Definitely, and I think it's idiotic not to vote!

I respect you for sharing your opinion and I respect this country for allowing this free exchange of perspectives.
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Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes
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FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes

So then it's more like you just lit two dumpster fires and then you stand there yelling about how everything is on fire.

post this on resetera and watch you get banned
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K181 posted...

they know that they can take your concerns with a grain of salt.

This is the case whether you vote or not.

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes

So then it's more like you just lit two dumpster fires and then you stand there yelling about how everything is on fire.

More like my parents and grandparents lit the fires but I guess. Too bad people generally would rather argue about which fire is prettier than put them out altogether.

I'll never agree 100% with any republican or democrat enough to vote for one of them. I voted for Obama in 2012 and all I got for that was jury duty. Not worth it imo.
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FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes

So then it's more like you just lit two dumpster fires and then you stand there yelling about how everything is on fire.

More like my parents and grandparents lit the fires but I guess. Too bad people generally would rather argue about which fire is prettier than put them out altogether.

I'll never agree 100% with any republican or democrat enough to vote for one of them. I voted for Obama in 2012 and all I got for that was jury duty. Not worth it imo.

Even if that was the case, which is a huge if, your solution is literally to stand by the dumpster fires and complain, but refuse to actually try and put any of them out or make any sort of difference. That's exactly why people find it annoying when you complain without voting.

I don't vote because of the stupid electoral college and nobody here in Mississippi (besides the Delta) are going to vote for anyone that's liberal. You can give me the "well that attitude is what causes the Republicans to stay" argument, but it's Missi fuckin ssippi. If the people ever learn their lesson it'll be way long after I'm dead.
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Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes

So then it's more like you just lit two dumpster fires and then you stand there yelling about how everything is on fire.

More like my parents and grandparents lit the fires but I guess. Too bad people generally would rather argue about which fire is prettier than put them out altogether.

I'll never agree 100% with any republican or democrat enough to vote for one of them. I voted for Obama in 2012 and all I got for that was jury duty. Not worth it imo.

Even if that was the case, which is a huge if, your solution is literally to stand by the dumpster fires and complain, but refuse to actually try and put any of them out or make any sort of difference. That's exactly why people find it annoying when you complain without voting.

It's cool. I get it. But as an American, I do have that right to complain. Annoying or not. Regardless, if one of the politicians does or says something I agree with then I'll praise them. If they do or tweet something stupid I'll condemn it. Such is my position.
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FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

FabIemaster posted...

Why should I vote for someone or something I don't believe in. If I have to choose between jumping into two dumpster fires or not jumping into anything and having to stand near one of them for 4 years I'm going to do that. But don't tell me to not complain about the smell.

You ever think the reason that there is only two candidates that you hate is because of years and years of powermongers manipulating apathetic voters to get their own agendas passed and thus put these people into power?

Yes

So then it's more like you just lit two dumpster fires and then you stand there yelling about how everything is on fire.

More like my parents and grandparents lit the fires but I guess. Too bad people generally would rather argue about which fire is prettier than put them out altogether.

I'll never agree 100% with any republican or democrat enough to vote for one of them. I voted for Obama in 2012 and all I got for that was jury duty. Not worth it imo.

Even if that was the case, which is a huge if, your solution is literally to stand by the dumpster fires and complain, but refuse to actually try and put any of them out or make any sort of difference. That's exactly why people find it annoying when you complain without voting.

It's cool. I get it. But as an American, I do have that right to complain. Annoying or not. Regardless, if one of the politicians does or says something I agree with then I'll praise them. If they do or tweet something stupid I'll condemn it. Such is my position.

Yes, and my complaining about your complaints is not, in anyway, an infringement on those rights. Until one of us recruits an armed police force to enforce our opinions, me saying it's stupid not to vote is in no way an affront to your rights.

Dash_Harber posted...

Yes, and my complaining about your complaints is not, in anyway, an infringement on those rights. Until one of us recruits an armed police force to enforce our opinions, me saying it's stupid not to vote is in no way an affront to your rights.

I know. I was talking about the people that say that I have no right to complain. You can think it's dumb all you want and I might even agree with you.
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Dyinglegacy posted...

It has similarities to commenting on music when you don't write music or have anything to do with the process at all, other than listening to it. People still comment and critique it. Yes, there is a difference between commenting on music and commenting on politics. However, the similarity of critiquing something that you don't have much to do with, other than being an observer, is still there.

oh I could write a book on this.
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