>>...A heretical question: Is actively withholding one’s vote in protest a sign of apathy, or can it be an apothecary for the patient in question?...<<
It will provide temporary — *very* temporary — satisfaction. The day after the election, the frustration, disgust and anger will continue unabated.
If we *truly* want to fix the situation more to our liking, then we will simply have to increase the number of voters who will nominate, support and vote for more conservative candidates and reduce the number of voters who are (as I type this) ready, willing and able to support & vote for Romney/RINOs/RNC/GOP-e. We are flat outnumbered, fair and square. We can fix it, but it’s easier said than done.
Yes, regardless of the winner.