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Amimnoch

(4,558 posts)
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 08:16 AM Aug 2019

Philosophical hypothetical question 1:

You are an elected representative for your congressional district. Before you is a bill to vote on. You know that passing this bill would not be in the best interests or benefit of your own constituency, but it is also would be widely popular in your district.

Voting yes on this bill would benefit you in getting re-elected, and make those who elected you happy, but you know it will impact them negatively.

Voting no on this bill may jeopardize your chances at reelection, and you know it's going to make for some very unpleasant town hall meetings, but you do know it's what's best for your district and the people you represent.

How do you vote?


1 vote, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited
Yes
0 (0%)
No
1 (100%)
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Philosophical hypothetical question 1: (Original Post) Amimnoch Aug 2019 OP
I don't accept the premise of the question FBaggins Aug 2019 #1
For a little background.. Amimnoch Aug 2019 #4
Yes, no, or pass Sleepscratch Aug 2019 #2
The politician's dilemma... Wounded Bear Aug 2019 #3

FBaggins

(26,735 posts)
1. I don't accept the premise of the question
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 08:39 AM
Aug 2019

Do we really have to assume that I know best and my constituents are all idiots?

Not an ideal position for someone who believes in democracy. Did I lie to get elected in the first place?

 

Amimnoch

(4,558 posts)
4. For a little background..
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 09:55 AM
Aug 2019

I reside in Texas District 7.

For the first time in my lifetime, this district has a Democratic Party Representative, Lizzie Fletcher.

Last night, several of my neighbors and I who canvassed together for her and Beto in 2018 got together for a casual dinner.

Of course, with everything that just happened in El Paso and Dayton, discussion about gun legislation was a topic.

This group, including myself are 100% for at the LEAST bringing back the assault weapons ban that WORKED. However, the question arose on how Lizzie should vote if it goes before the House.

If she votes with the Democratic Party, it will be extremely unpopular in my district, definitely used against her during the campaign season, and likely return to us another f'n tRumpublicon in 2020, even if it really is the best thing for the constituency by beginning the removal of these weapons of war from the public.

If she votes against the Democratic Party, she would be voting with the will of the majority of her constituency, can be used to argue that she isn't anti-2nd amendment (yes, I know that notion is ridiculous, but that's the reality of politics in my district).

It brought up the question does the will of the constituency override ones own conscience and voting based off of what is actually better even if it isn't what most in the district would want.

And, I was curious what many here might think about a conundrum like this.

Sleepscratch

(23 posts)
2. Yes, no, or pass
Wed Aug 7, 2019, 09:27 AM
Aug 2019

The contents of the bill would jave to be thoroughly examined. The bill's sponsors and the realayed lobbies would be a factor.

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