General Discussion

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)

178. an average guy and a citizen vying for change.

Fri Dec 16, 2011, 02:21 PM

Dec 2011

"If you participate in OWS activity's you better be prepared in the coming months to be declared an ENEMY of The State..."

No thanks. I'll declare myself as I have, as I do, and as I will-- an average guy and a citizen vying for change. I admit, it's not very melodramatic, yet it doesn't cheapen my position either; nor does anything other than a wrist-watch go on my arm (crap... it's not even digital).

Of course I admit that "enemy of the state" sounds rather theatrical and breathtaking (what composer do we imagine writing the background score to your Feds-chase-down-angry-political-activist thriller-- Hans Zimmer?), but as I do try to remain realistic, I just can't bring myself to use it.

What I am prepared to do in the coming months is to continue affecting change in this country and vote for the Democratic nominee for President-- and as much as that may piss off a horde of freepers, and maybe you, can't really say I'm sorry.

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I Will Not Play The Lesser Of Two Evil Political Game in 2012 [View all] rsmith6621 Dec 2011 OP

OK n/t ProSense Dec 2011 #1

+1 ellisonz Dec 2011 #73

+2 pasto76 Dec 2011 #172

If you don't vote then you have no right to complain. How will you spend 4 years away from FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #2

+1000 liberal N proud Dec 2011 #8

The first amendment applies to non-voters as well as voters. Chef Eric Dec 2011 #28

+1, Agreed & Well Said! Sherman A1 Dec 2011 #36

Nope, didn't take civics in 5th grade, all I have is this: If you don't vote then don't complain. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #42

If not voting is a political statement Charlemagne Dec 2011 #88

What kind of protest, not giving a shit who runs your country? How revolutionary. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #96

Seriously dude.... Charlemagne Dec 2011 #101

Sure thats fine, but said person shouldn't complain. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #106

I agree Charlemagne Dec 2011 #114

Really reaching on that one. Please, only stick to what I said and not hyperbole. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #115

If you dont wont you shouldnt complain Charlemagne Dec 2011 #118

When did I say they should not exercise their right to free-speech? They can do whatever they want. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #121

"When did I say they should not exercise their right to free-speech" Charlemagne Dec 2011 #125

Again, the whole WAY too literal thing. Did you think I was the one who has power to take away FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #133

By that same logic, if you vote and your guy wins, you lose the right to complain. EOTE Dec 2011 #150

No, not at all. If you PARTICIPATED in democracy then complain away. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #216

Who decides what is lazy and what is protest? cliffordu Dec 2011 #131

I am not getting this not voting meme.... ooglymoogly Dec 2011 #206

I am assuming Charlemagne Dec 2011 #207

Aren't we worth more than a "political statement"? The repercussions of voting will gateley Dec 2011 #231

So if my choices are between 2 different plates of shit... vi5 Dec 2011 #152

You're kidding..... right? Uncle Fester Dec 2011 #166

If you vote you consent in the outcome pscot Dec 2011 #192

My point exactly. :) nt Uncle Fester Dec 2011 #200

This post Charlemagne Dec 2011 #208

Thank you. nt SusanaMontana41 Dec 2011 #210

+2000 B Calm Dec 2011 #40

voting means squat shit. provis99 Dec 2011 #44

Riiiiight. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #49

exactly my thoughts! Carolina Dec 2011 #80

Excuse me?? The 1st Amendment says nothing about voting. sabrina 1 Dec 2011 #50

Oh Jeez, it's an expression. NOT voting makes YOU the biggest part of the problem. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #54

Well, fortunately it's not all about you. I do want to hear from people who choose not to vote sabrina 1 Dec 2011 #58

Sorry, but voting is the LEAST someone can do. No excuses. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #64

Do as you wish. In my opinion that attitude is as responsible for the non-voters as the non-voters sabrina 1 Dec 2011 #75

Right, you're talking to someone that believes election day should be a National Holiday. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #94

Voting is one way of participating. It is not the only way, and I'll be damned if I'll SusanaMontana41 Dec 2011 #212

Jeez, not voting upsets you. I had the impression that you would be A Simple Game Dec 2011 #76

so denying a vote to someone who might win to vote for someone who can't win is good for you and onenote Dec 2011 #98

So voting for someone that I don't want to win will help my candidate how? n/t A Simple Game Dec 2011 #220

If your candidate has zero chance of winning, how does your vote help you? onenote Dec 2011 #223

If you are happy with what the two major parties have to offer, good for you. A Simple Game Dec 2011 #230

And you honestly believe that the re-election of President Obama onenote Dec 2011 #240

Keep it up, I'm sure it will work out fine the next time! A Simple Game Dec 2011 #241

Great! But you're not the OP, who I was referring to. Please DO vote for the most Liberal person. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #99

The biggest part of the problem sulphurdunn Dec 2011 #142

Well said. hay rick Dec 2011 #155

I've always heard that...but I don't see it in the Bill of Rights, so I'm going to call BS Toucano Dec 2011 #71

Yes, they DO have every right to complain about it, right after they vote. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #100

"If God had intended for us to vote..... Fuddnik Dec 2011 #124

Oh grow the hell up. If you don't vote, then DO NOT BITCH ! This is FRINGE nonsense. RBInMaine Dec 2011 #139

Or as the wise old George Carlin said if you vote you have no right to complain. sad sally Dec 2011 #79

That goes against the collective society and unity. Him and THOUSANDS of others who didn't vote FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #102

Uh. This is America. What country do you come from. Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #84

How can you complain about your employees when you didn't hire them? FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #103

Still not getting it, huh? Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #158

That makes NO SENSE. Participating in democracy gives your complaints credibility. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #217

Please read the posts you reply to. Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #221

I believe you have that ass-backwards...... DeSwiss Dec 2011 #91

Sorry. See my above post, I am a Carlin fan but I will speak for myself and use my own logic. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #104

Everyone should use their own logic. DeSwiss Dec 2011 #112

Exactly! FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #116

I'm fairly certain that post you're responding to went entirely over your head. EOTE Dec 2011 #151

No, I understood it completely. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #218

Um. You Do Realize That Carlin Was A Comic, Right? ProfessorGAC Dec 2011 #248

While I too have made similar statements..... DeSwiss Dec 2011 #249

In America, you have the right to complain whether you vote or not. AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #123

Yeah, I answered that argument about 7 times already up above. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #135

Poorly. RUMMYisFROSTED Dec 2011 #159

You replied. I wouldn't call those posts answers. Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #181

NO. STOP WITH THAT WARPED LOGIC. YOU CAN COMPLAIN IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN DEMOCRACY. FarLeftFist Dec 2011 #219

No. You stop yelling. And read the posts you think you are replying to. Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #222

If the Powers to Be do not allow you to vote none of the above or write in avebury Dec 2011 #144

Paying taxes gives the right to complain Xicano Dec 2011 #156

Bullshit. When you vote for "evil", and you get it ,THEN you don't have any right to complain kenny blankenship Dec 2011 #168

You're in the new DU (DU3). Complaining is not allowed. styersc Dec 2011 #195

Things are SO BAD.... CoffeeCat Dec 2011 #196

Amen CoffeeCat. Amen aquamarina Dec 2011 #199

Even if voting meant real change, Diebold would corrupt the process! Yavapai Dec 2011 #204

Like your style, panache, and right-on indepat Dec 2011 #225

well said and I couldn't agree more n/t dana_b Dec 2011 #239

Yes, it means you do not intend to vote for or support Obama. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #3

Nader 2000! TheWraith Dec 2011 #4

I know what you mean. Hell Hath No Fury Dec 2011 #5

I think some here have been done and over done months/years ago. Whisp Dec 2011 #27

Good. That's what emilyg Dec 2011 #46

Anyone who insinuates that Obama is "evil" loses the debate. JNinWB Dec 2011 #6

Seriously. Nuclear Unicorn Dec 2011 #13

Obama is not "evil" - Hell Hath No Fury Dec 2011 #37

I agree but we should have all been up at arms this bird has flown Dec 2011 #110

Most of us WERE up in arms here and elsewhere -- Hell Hath No Fury Dec 2011 #242

That's what I was going to say. Obama is just not Adlai Stephenson or Paul Wellstone. He is the guy The Wielding Truth Dec 2011 #201

It is NOT a game, it is a CON Vincardog Dec 2011 #7

A new con. You know - neo con. Jakes Progress Dec 2011 #182

You so funny Vincardog Dec 2011 #190

The NDAA authorizes detention of OWS. It mentions them specifically. Robb Dec 2011 #9

I hear BHO will use it to lock up the 99%.... Scuba Dec 2011 #11

Until Levin shows a birth certificate, it's all conjecture. Robb Dec 2011 #12

Duzy! FSogol Dec 2011 #34

I bet you a dollar someone starts a thread along those lines, basing it on your post emulatorloo Dec 2011 #22

I think it's already been posted. Whisp Dec 2011 #29

Yep, the OP emulatorloo Dec 2011 #39

No law was needed to target OWS. It's already happening, with help from some surprising sabrina 1 Dec 2011 #52

Kinda makes this "equal justice under the law" and "the rule of law" indepat Dec 2011 #227

Section C mentions my Mother grantcart Dec 2011 #61

The NDAA mandates C sections?!? Robb Dec 2011 #65

What you need to do is get to work now, rooting out DINO's and vetting real Democrats... Scuba Dec 2011 #10

+1 Tuesday Afternoon Dec 2011 #15

That has been my cause, getting rid of Dinos julian09 Dec 2011 #31

Any advice on how to vet real Dems would be appreciated. n/t Scuba Dec 2011 #43

For incumbants their voting record on all issues , nothing speaks louder. julian09 Dec 2011 #113

Who gets to decdie who is a real Democrat and who isn't? totodeinhere Dec 2011 #81

Do as you want, it's a free country. But don't kid yourself. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #14

Moral purity means you can't consider the results of your actions. hack89 Dec 2011 #17

This message was self-deleted by its author Tesha Dec 2011 #19

A lot lower than anything President Obama has done. nt hack89 Dec 2011 #20

how much DonCoquixote Dec 2011 #67

This message was self-deleted by its author Tesha Dec 2011 #165

ok, you voted for gore DonCoquixote Dec 2011 #209

one has the strength of their convictions. LanternWaste Dec 2011 #179

Bless their pointy little heads Sheepshank Dec 2011 #246

"It's a free country". Yeah, ok, bub. provis99 Dec 2011 #45

Kidding one's self is essential to the 'no difference between the two' crowd. grantcart Dec 2011 #62

if we had a parlaimentary system i would vote for Green Party candidates arely staircase Dec 2011 #82

Sadly, that's the political reality...today. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #89

very good post, with only one problem arely staircase Dec 2011 #92

That's true....trying to game this out. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #108

"Only 1 helps Democrats and progressives." Charlemagne Dec 2011 #90

What option, other than voting for Obama, helps progressives? Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #119

Yep Charlemagne Dec 2011 #120

Yep Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #127

you guys Charlemagne Dec 2011 #128

Thanks! To use one of the Governor's favorite expressions, "He's an asshole". Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #134

Stop being such a realist! Martin Eden Dec 2011 #145

"Only 1 helps Democrats and progressives" vi5 Dec 2011 #153

So, I guess you'll be voting for Teddy Roosevelt next November? Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #167

Voting for a conservative democrat... vi5 Dec 2011 #174

You're a youngster!...I got 40 years under my belt. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #180

I don't base my opinions on how many people agree with me.... vi5 Dec 2011 #188

good for you fascisthunter Dec 2011 #16

It's your vote... one_voice Dec 2011 #18

"Evil"? Good thing you're here to tell us what other people believe. nt Chef Eric Dec 2011 #32

The OP told us what s/he thinks... one_voice Dec 2011 #35

No fair...now your making him think. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #77

or alternatively you could just read the OP where Obama is labelled 'evil'. grantcart Dec 2011 #63

If you can't bring yourself to vote in the presidential race... Capitalocracy Dec 2011 #21

yep arely staircase Dec 2011 #93

ok. when you find that perfect, flawless world, make sure to send us notice. Whisp Dec 2011 #23

THEN GO VOTE REPUBLICAH WHAAAAARGARBLE!!!1!!1!1! WilliamPitt Dec 2011 #24

Your second paragraphs reaches almost Beckian levels of Hyperbole. emulatorloo Dec 2011 #25

"a chill sweeps the land. we are all doooomed...." dionysus Dec 2011 #55

All we can do is set the stage for improvement of our choices in 2016 customerserviceguy Dec 2011 #26

I've seen your posts in the past, so I am willing to bet that you will vote for Obama karynnj Dec 2011 #30

well, we used to think that no Democrat would put cuts to Social Security and Medicare on the table, kath Dec 2011 #129

If you really care about those issues ... Martin Eden Dec 2011 #146

Is that your Formal Declaration? alcibiades_mystery Dec 2011 #33

Oh wow, that's so principled. frazzled Dec 2011 #38

It isn't the lesser of two evils, it's fair compared to horrible, pretty easy decision for me usregimechange Dec 2011 #41

too bad Gus Hall isn't around any more, you might like him demosincebirth Dec 2011 #47

Thou shalt try not to consider people douchebags. RiffRandell Dec 2011 #48

There is no alternative quaker bill Dec 2011 #51

I don't know where you got all of your ideas about the OP. I read it twice and A Simple Game Dec 2011 #78

oooh, the melodrama... dionysus Dec 2011 #53

Do what you wish. n/t NYC Liberal Dec 2011 #56

+1,000,000,000,000,000,000 Odin2005 Dec 2011 #57

May I Add Some More Zeros ??? WillyT Dec 2011 #60

that attitude is why we are in the sh*t we're in now. thanks for not voting and ellenfl Dec 2011 #59

Are you serious? ChadwickHenryWard Dec 2011 #130

how is letting one of the current crop of repub wannabes win because some refuse to vote help anyone ellenfl Dec 2011 #229

"If you participate in OWS activity's you better be prepared - Summer Hathaway Dec 2011 #66

Don't not vote: here's why Lydia Leftcoast Dec 2011 #68

+1 Meshuga Dec 2011 #70

And, even if there aren't any down ballot votes dflprincess Dec 2011 #86

I hope you enjoy your greater evil, then, and it looks like it may be pretty great. N.T. Donald Ian Rankin Dec 2011 #69

I'll vote for Obama but I won't like it. L0oniX Dec 2011 #72

i disagree with your premise - that president obama is evil arely staircase Dec 2011 #74

check out Rocky Anderson's party. The Justice party. He's a progressive dem. Javaman Dec 2011 #83

Rocky just got in the race. El Prezidente Kaboom Dec 2011 #117

a progressive voting repuke. Right, have fun with that. Javaman Dec 2011 #154

Yes Titonwan Dec 2011 #163

This message was self-deleted by its author MineralMan Dec 2011 #238

Making no move IS in fact move in this game. nt Lex Dec 2011 #85

Very well said Charlemagne Dec 2011 #87

and yet another person who hasn't read the NDAA proudly displays their ignorance onenote Dec 2011 #95

I consider a vote for Obama to be a vote for the greater good. ZenLefty Dec 2011 #97

Quick question apples and oranges Dec 2011 #105

Its a bit ironic if you look at the OP's profile quinnox Dec 2011 #122

Gosh I miss the unrec. Liberal In Texas Dec 2011 #107

I think it's (past) time to focus energy on getting instant run-off. jtrockville Dec 2011 #109

Throwing away your right to vote? Don't complain about the outcome. -nt CakeGrrl Dec 2011 #111

Just another opinion airplaneman Dec 2011 #126

How did you ever make it this far into the baloney-fest? bhikkhu Dec 2011 #132

All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing Scootaloo Dec 2011 #136

DUMB fringe "Stay home to punish the Dems" thinking. Are you an adult or a toddler? RBInMaine Dec 2011 #137

Would ProSense Dec 2011 #138

Then you shall have the GREATER of two evils DeathToTheOil Dec 2011 #140

I will play the game JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 2011 #141

You have to DeathToTheOil Dec 2011 #148

Follow your own conscience pintobean Dec 2011 #143

It's good to see that the New DU Island Blue Dec 2011 #147

Let me think - will I vote for someone I agree with 90% of the time groundloop Dec 2011 #149

Write yourself in for President, then, and MineralMan Dec 2011 #157

I'll bet you didn't in 2000 either. WI_DEM Dec 2011 #160

You don't have a choice abelenkpe Dec 2011 #161

Ross 'Rocky' Anderson with the Justice Party Titonwan Dec 2011 #162

"he's taken quite enough, doncha think?" bull n/t Sheepshank Dec 2011 #247

Since as I've been told over the last three years here, the presidency is an impotent office, closeupready Dec 2011 #164

This message was self-deleted by its author Kahuna Dec 2011 #169

then you can deal with the GREATER of two evils for the next eight years. pasto76 Dec 2011 #170

Yep. 90% of the 2000 Nader voters I know realized their mistake when Bush turned out much more stevenleser Dec 2011 #176

By S*A*Y*I*N*G you won't play whatever game, you're playing their game. patrice Dec 2011 #171

*sigh* I totally understand your frustration. But Occupying the inauguration of President Gingrich Zorra Dec 2011 #173

President Obama vs 1% Corporate Shill daggahead Dec 2011 #175

I, for one, will not give up. /nt HisTomness Dec 2011 #177

an average guy and a citizen vying for change. LanternWaste Dec 2011 #178

Yes K&R (nt) T S Justly Dec 2011 #183

Wow -- I feel the opposite. I plan to work my butt off for the democrats and Barack Obama because Emillereid Dec 2011 #184

I will vote, BUT... 99Forever Dec 2011 #185

I submit that voting for the lesser of two evils ultimately is no choice at all. wundermaus Dec 2011 #186

It's a good cop/bad cop sucker game to keep the establishment in power. Tierra_y_Libertad Dec 2011 #187

In other words-- you're giving up in a hissy fit just because things didn't turn out... TreasonousBastard Dec 2011 #189

No, you bloody well won't. aquart Dec 2011 #191

You just did frazzled Dec 2011 #193

Thanks for the heads up and prediction. nt gateley Dec 2011 #194

"I will not play the lesser of 2 evil political game" Frances Dec 2011 #197

What a STUPID waste of time in defense of the spoiler effect, which is both harmful and unnecessary saras Dec 2011 #198

POTUS Gingrich will thank you for your non-vote KILL THE WISE ONE Dec 2011 #202

Then you'd better start a Revolution or sit down. Veracious Dec 2011 #203

If you don't vote, take a seat and watch Inchworm Dec 2011 #205

Another "Look at Me!" thread lunatica Dec 2011 #211

Thank you rsmith swilton Dec 2011 #213

So, let me get this right... SoonerShankle Dec 2011 #214

If you will not play the-lesser-of-two-evils game, how about playing Cal33 Dec 2011 #215

That is your decision. Please think about voting for congress critters at least. That will at least jwirr Dec 2011 #224

Amy voted for NDAA too n/t cyglet Dec 2011 #233

Sometimes we get the government we deserve. If you dont vote and we get Newt, you will deserve it nt stevenleser Dec 2011 #226

You could write in Sen. Bernie Sanders name on the ballot for President. nt NorthCarolina Dec 2011 #228

That's what I'm going to do cyglet Dec 2011 #234

That is also what my current line of thinking is. NorthCarolina Dec 2011 #236

I think this is an over-reaction and people should place the blame on those who put this in. proud patriot Dec 2011 #232

Thanks for letting us know up front. madokie Dec 2011 #235

Me neither. I ALWAYS vote for the Democrat. McCamy Taylor Dec 2011 #237

I have no time for this type of idiocy Sheepshank Dec 2011 #243

So instead you play the lesser of three evils political game in 2012 Motown_Johnny Dec 2011 #244

Trying to Think of an Evil Democrat otohara Dec 2011 #245