Why one of my people refused to vote:

[frazzled]

83. Q: If a tree falls in the forest while nobody is there

Does it make a sound?

A: Not one that anyone can hear. That is to say, not one that matters.

That is the answer to anyone who thinks they are making a statement by not voting. Whatever they think they are protesting, they're not. Nobody knows the reason a vote wasn't cast. It may be thought that it's laziness or lack of concern or any number of things. Unless there is a public call for a voting boycott (which happens in some countries) and that call is affirmatively joined by millions, there is no point to not voting.

Plus: Voting—it's not about YOU. This is another excuse for not voting (or voting for obscure, unelectable candidates) that makes me crazy. People say they must vote their conscience. That attitude makes you NOT a liberal. Liberals understand government and democracy as making choices for the common good. Not choices to assuage your own ego or conscience. That's a libertarian stance.

Too many young people think they are "left" or "progressive" but in reality are merely selfishly libertarian. It's always about themselves.

We vote for whatever will benefit society more. And even if you think Ds and Rs represent no difference (on which you would be wrong) ... even if it's one little thing that will be better for poor people, or women, or immigrants ... then if you don't vote (or vote for some impossible candidate), you have not done the liberal thing.