Are the rumors true?

[Bunch]

I'm still not convinced. I'm being told constantly in this thread that I have the right to a "choice." Then I am told that my "choice" is to VOTE. PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS.


I'm here to tell you: My "Choice" is to Either vote, or to NOT vote. As I, and one other person have already stated, a CHOICE is deciding between MORE than ONE option.

Don't tell me "You have a choice. This is what it is."

As far as actual voting goes, someday I may do it. I have never said that I "will never"vote. I merely said that I "never have." First, I have to see a candidate worthy of my vote, and support. Either one of the two front-runners in this particular Presidential race could fertilize Iowa with just one speech. What it comes down to is the same thing in every election: voting for the lesser of two evils. That is not worth my time.

As far as being told that I have no right to complain simply because I don't vote, or that my opinion counts less because of it, well, wake up people. That's not what a Democracy is about.

As far as supprting the troops. . .The troops themselves have my support, 100%. That doesn't mean I have to agree with everything their Commander in Chief says or does.

[CaluWxBill]

Yes I agree you don't have to vote. of course its your choice, I still believe election day should be a national holiday. anyways, I was just saying there is plenty of things you can do to help your country out besides vote.

[chadtm80]

As far as being told that I have no right to complain simply because I don't vote, or that my opinion counts less because of it, well, wake up people. That's not what a Democracy is about.

No one said you didnt have the right to complain.. But i for one sure as heck dont want to listen to it, when you cant do the one easy thing to help "change" things.

[azsnowman]

In the words of the elf on *Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer*....I'm an I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T!

Dennis

[CaluWxBill]

As far as being told that I have no right to complain simply because I don't vote, or that my opinion counts less because of it, well, wake up people. That's not what a Democracy is about.

No one said you didnt have the right to complain.. But i for one sure as heck dont want to listen to it, when you cant do the one easy thing to help "change" things.

Chad I believe voting is overrated, and it is overrated because less than half the nation actually goes to the poles. I think what we need is a national holiday that enable anybody to vote, right now it is too much trouble for alot of people to vote. but Bunch's scenario is different, he wants to exercise his right by not voting at all because he does not think any candidate is worthy of his vote, I have no problem with this.

[Guest]

As far as being told that I have no right to complain simply because I don't vote, or that my opinion counts less because of it, well, wake up people. That's not what a Democracy is about.

Democracy IS about voting. It's what makes this country great. Do you think there was an election for Fidel Castro? Heck no! The people of Cuba are an opressed people because they don't have the write to vote. In order for our democracy to be a SUCCESS, we must all participate. So you don't like Bush or Kerry, that's good and well. There's always Nader and there is a write-in spot. Back in the 1800's there was a political party referred to as the "Know-Nothings". They didn't announce publicly who they were, nor did they make an official run for office. But they had enough write-in support to sweep the elections. The other parties were dumbfounded. Don't tell me that it can't be done. If you don't like what you see CHANGE it. So get out there and VOTE and make this country a better place!
...Jennifer...

[Guest]

Chad I believe voting is overrated, and it is overrated because less than half the nation actually goes to the polls. I think what we need is a national holiday that enable anybody to vote, right now it is too much trouble for alot of people to vote. but Bunch's scenario is different, he wants to exercise his right by not voting at all because he does not think any candidate is worthy of his vote, I have no problem with this.

Less than half the people go to the polls for local elections, but for national elections, at least half go and vote. That's a bunch of baloney that it's too much trouble. The polls are open all day and there's absentee ballots. Enough of the excuses please. It's your civic duty as an American to vote, to ensure that the democratic process is a success. Step up and accept this responsibility that comes with being an AMERICAN!
...Jennifer...

(Bill, even though I referenced text that you wrote, this is aimed at anyone who doesn't vote, not you personally.)

[j]

I still have the right to criticize the President, or the government, 1. Because I live in this country. 2. Because I have served this country. 3. Because, I, just like you, am PAYING for this government.

IMHO....you have NO right to complain about anything that happens policy wise in this country if you don't exercise your right to vote. Not trying to make enemies with you Bunch...we have been buddies in the past...but this jumped right out at me.

By all means...feel free to further argue your position.

[CaluWxBill]

Chad I believe voting is overrated, and it is overrated because less than half the nation actually goes to the polls. I think what we need is a national holiday that enable anybody to vote, right now it is too much trouble for alot of people to vote. but Bunch's scenario is different, he wants to exercise his right by not voting at all because he does not think any candidate is worthy of his vote, I have no problem with this.

Less than half the people go to the polls for local elections, but for national elections, at least half go and vote. That's a bunch of baloney that it's too much trouble. The polls are open all day and there's absentee ballots. Enough of the excuses please. It's your civic duty as an American to vote, to ensure that the democratic process is a success. Step up and accept this responsibility that comes with being an AMERICAN!
...Jennifer...

(Bill, even though I referenced text that you wrote, this is aimed at anyone who doesn't vote, not you personally.)

I don't agree at all, yes voting is important, I still firmly believe it should be a holiday. I am only 21 but, I try to vote whenever there is something for me to vote for, I didn't vote the primaries this year, but I will vote in the general election. Now, if I wasn't sure who I wanted president, I may not place a vote for president, even if I did go to the polls. I think you are taking it the wrong way here. bottom line is if you don't know who the heck to vote for, why should you be obligated to place a vote.

[Guest]

I don't agree at all, yes voting is important, I still firmly believe it should be a holiday. I am only 21 but, I try to vote whenever there is something for me to vote for, I didn't vote the primaries this year, but I will vote in the general election. Now, if I wasn't sure who I wanted president, I may not place a vote for president, even if I did go to the polls. I think you are taking it the wrong way here. bottom line is if you don't know who the heck to vote for, why should you be obligated to place a vote.

Ok, I'll give a little ground here. If you don't know anything about the candidates, I guess not voting would be okay. BTW, I'm 22 and have only voted a few years myself. For awhile, I was too disgusted to pay much attention to politics. I can't really pinpoint my enlightening moment, but one day I realized that nothing is going to change if I just ignore politics. Now I do my research on the issues, I email, write, and phone my local and state representatives, and I vote. I even participate in political debates now and again, lol. I went to my first presidential rally this year and it was an awesome experience. All of these things, including VOTING, are vital parts of the political process.
...Jennifer...

[WEATHER53]

Of course it is someone's right to vote or not vote; it is not mandatory to vote. Simply however when you do not vote, then you forfeit any legitmacy to complain or praise who does get elected.

[furluvcats]

In defense of Bunch, I think he usually steers clear of any political debates here, am I correct?

[Stephanie]

From what I remember Furry, yes.

[wx247]

I vote.

[george_r_1961]

Are there ZERO Democrats on the board?

hi md, i would say we are patriots here. of course you are welcome!!

So that's what it is. you are all patriots. you're too funny rainstorm. Patriots wouldn't dare criticize the President

Thats one of the good things about living in this country..the freedom to criticize the government. Keep in mind just 90 miles from our shores is a communist country where mere mention of the government can bring a prison term..or worse.

[Bunch]

I can't believe how so many people here cannot understand the simplest of my points. . .


mrschad: I never said "democracy is not about voting." What I said was, if you would bother to READ the portion of my post that you quoted, "telling me I have no right to complain. . .my opinion counts less because I don't vote. . . THAT is not what a Democracy is about."



As for j, weather53, and a few others, let me direct your attention to this:



Bill of Rights
Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.



Has this been repealed recently, and I missed the memo? Who are ANY of YOU to tell me I have no right to criticize if I feel so inclined? This is one of the principles upon which this country was founded, folks. You CANNOT tell me, for ANY reason, that I don't have the same rights as you do. This is the United States of America, and I have ALL of the same rights that YOU do, whether you think so or not.

[CaluWxBill]

I can't believe how so many people here cannot understand the simplest of my points. . .


mrschad: I never said "democracy is not about voting." What I said was, if you would bother to READ the portion of my post that you quoted, "telling me I have no right to complain. . .my opinion counts less because I don't vote. . . THAT is not what a Democracy is about."



As for j, weather53, and a few others, let me direct your attention to this:



Bill of Rights
Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.



Has this been repealed recently, and I missed the memo? Who are ANY of YOU to tell me I have no right to criticize if I feel so inclined? This is one of the principles upon which this country was founded, folks. You CANNOT tell me, for ANY reason, that I don't have the same rights as you do. This is the United States of America, and I have ALL of the same rights that YOU do, whether you think so or not.

100% agree with you there. Yeah it doesn't say anywhere that one must vote in order to have their rights. I think they just think if you didn't vote then somehow you shouldn't be upset with how the government is because you didn't do nothing to stop the elected officials from being there, but if there is no running candidate that you wish to be in office, then why should you vote, maybe if you have better ideas, you could consider running for an office, or speaking out on what you think needs changed in government. There are many ways you can express your feelings about government in this country, and that is what makes it so great, yes we may have corrupt politicians, but we still have our rights.

[Bunch]

No one said you didnt have the right to complain.. But i for one sure as heck dont want to listen to it, when you cant do the one easy thing to help "change" things.

Actually, a total of 4 people so far (Pburgh, Linda, j, and weather53) have told me that I "don't have a right to complain."

Try again, Chad.

[Lindaloo]

In defense of Bunch, I think he usually steers clear of any political debates here, am I correct?

Yes, he usually does. But, I assure you this is Bunch posting here and not an imposter.

[Lindaloo]

Excuse me Bunchie, I was analyzing. Cut me some slack. heehee