I Will Not Play The Lesser Of Two Evil Political Game in 2012

[SoonerShankle]

214. So, let me get this right...

...this post has over 200 replies discussing the "right" to complain. So when did we become so mired in the minutia that the big picture was muddied beyond recognition. With the semantic hairsplitting, I'd better carefully select each and every word, as I will be skewered otherwise.

As I read this, the main point I saw being argued was whether or not voting equates action. I agree with many of the above statements, but no one has changed my mind in that I will still vote for the lesser of two evils because I rather be responsible for the lesser than the greater. And I'm perfectly willing to accept that responsibility. And while I have the "right" to choose whether or not to vote, I believe it is a civic responsibility of a citizen to be involved in our government of the people, by the people, and for the people regardless of what that involvement looks like. Voting (or not voting) can be a form of collective action. Just don't have buyers remorse. Learn and move forward.

Obama is not my favorite. He was not my original choice, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna let any of the Republicans running into the White House just because I don't like Obama and don't agree with him. What Obama has or hasn't done is a pittance compared to what will happen should the right wingers get back into the Executive Office. I do believe that not voting is a form of acquiesence unless it is a highly organized tactic designed to elicit a specific change.

But I also understand that many others who feel differently. I just hope that you can honestly live with a President Gingrich or President Romney and feel better about it than having President Obama. I still contend that pulling the liberal/progressive base in this country together is like herding cats. And agree or disagree, rather than discussing specific points we are attacking each other.

As far as the original post, I agree with you point for point with the exception of not voting. I see the Occupy movement being ridiculed and demonized, when I greatly admire the people truly attempting to learn the basics of organizing and rallying around a particular cause. Congress does need a major overhaul, but it will do little good to replace seasoned corrupt politicians who at least understand how to write a bill with novice corrupt politicians who are at the mercy of their corporate electors. Focus on election reform first, then focus on the those being elected. Even the honest man who goes to DC leaves corrupted. It's systemic at this point. I'd just rather try to fix the problem than put a band-aid on it or cut my nose off to spite my face.

Best wishes, and I hope to see you all at the polls in 2012.