I don’t usually post about politics, because I usually don’t talk or even think about politics. But this time around, I’ve realized some things, and noticed that politics mean a great deal to some of my friends. So here’s some things.
At the official Presidential debates, only the Republican and Democrat candidates can make an appearance. The others are not allowed anywhere near the location. Yesterday a couple decided to try. Badnarik and Cobb (Libertarian and Green respectively) were arrested trying to appear at the presidential debates. Why? Because the debates are not “official”. They’re not run by the government. They run by a private organization, and that organization has the right to say “this is private property, and persons a-z are not allowed”. Why is this not being changed? Because it is to the advantage of both major parties to prevent the others from being there.
This is wrong, and should be changed. Perhaps these arrests will help people understand that.
My friend Scott posted an excellent synopsis of my thoughts regarding voting third party.
Those things together have pretty much helped me decide to vote third party.
Sadly, this is not new. Alan Keyes was “arrested” before the Republican (I believe) debate in 2000 (during the primary season). He had not been *invited*.
I, too, am seriously contemplating voting for a third party. Bush and Kerry truly represent a lesser-of-two-evils vote and voting for even “lesser evil” is still voting for evil. Alas, for whom to vote?
The “lesser of two evils” phrase seems to get trotted out every time there’s a presidential election. I can remember it being applied to Bush/Dukakis, to Clinton/Bush, to Clinton/Dole, to Gore/Bush, and now this year.
I think it’s an easy way of not committing but still trying to look “thoughtful.” I also think it’s bull.
The fact is, one of two people will be our president. Voting third party, while certainly idealistic and respectable, is not really going to make that much of a difference. Then again, Kerry’s probably going to win Michigan, so go ahead, vote 3rd party.
My father and two brothers voted Nader in 2000. This year, they’re all voting for Kerry.
I don’t really intend for my 3rd party vote to elect someone this year. Rather, it’s intended to take part in a long term (maybe 20 years?) trend that will open up the process, allowing more people to truly run for president.
Jonathan, do you truly think we’re better off having 2 parties maintain a monoploy on the presidency?
Voting third party may not make that much of a difference this year, but then, my personal vote won’t make that much of a difference either, so why should I vote at all? Why should anyone vote?
Because at some point, it DOES make a difference.
Don’t blame me! I voted Kodos!
I saw this yesterday, and I was a little happy that the Libertarians were finally getting some press. Positive PR for them IMO. I’m torn between my gut wanting to go third party (Lib.) and wanting to keep John Kerry as far away from the White House as possible.
I am sure some toss out the phrase “lesser of two evils” in an effort to appear thoughtful. I oppose Kerry because he is wrong on the war, taxes, and abortion (though abortion is a minor issue in the presidency). I oppose Bush because he is wrong on immigration, diplomacy, the PATRIOT Act, and the Department of Homeland Security (I oppose the creation of it). I think Bush is “less wrong” in the sense that he is right in the areas that truly impact (or could impact) *my* life – war and taxes.
I never said we were better off, just that realistically, that’s what we have, and it’s AWFULLY difficult to change.
I was doing a little bit more thinking about this issue this morning. I would love to see more political leaders from 3rd parties in power, but I think that trying to use presidential elections to get the country used to it might be too much to ask.
Why not start on a smaller scale? What about state houses and senates? I think that the country needs large changes like this on a small scale. Find a local race with a third party candidate that you support, and do a grass-roots campaign to that that person elected.
Just a thought or two. I’m going to do some research on that very thing today.