Don’t Vote: The value of political apathy and disengagement

The Prometheus Institute ^ | 8/25/2006 | Editorial

[tang0r]

The ability to vote and of political expression are indeed rights, but rights are not the same thing as civic requirements. Their exercise can be declined, such as one can decline the right to bear arms or any other American privilege. Those without political interest should feel free to decline their right to political expression.

[MNJohnnie]

Yes, I agree. Stupid people should NOT vote. After all too many of them did in 2004 and we almost got President John Kerry! Just say No to voting!

[PeteB570]

Ahhhhh, OK.

But I vote every time the voting both is open around here. If I want to complain never let it be said that I didn't try and make/support my point of view.

[Suzy Quzy]

Hello newbie......Isn't Prometheus a lefty institution??

[WakeUpAndVote]

Nope

"Ideology

We also reject the raw partisanship that saturates the political scene. While establishment commentators and pundits spend their energies promoting their party without regard for truth and fairness, we think independently.

We represent the libertarian alternative - fiscally conservative and socially liberal. While party identification is at an all-time low, we feel an independent voice is the perfect prescription."

[cripplecreek]

I voted against a republican in Michigans 7th district. However I did vote for the winner. A man called "fundamentalist" by the Detroit news. I'm a happy camper.

[ConservativeMind]

It is libertarian.

[BallyBill]

Vote or Die!

[FreedomProtector]

there are no mechanisms available in the voting booth to communicate intensity of feeling, there are only three 'levels': vote for one candidate, vote for the other, or not at all. Although politically incorrect, not voting at all is actually an important level...otherwise someone who really cares is counted the same as someone who doesn't care at all.

no real mechanism in voting booth to communicate intensity of feeling

really, really care strongly that candidate A win.
care strongly that candidate A win.
care that candidate A wins
no real preference for A or B
more or less care that candidate B wins
care that candidate B wins.
care strongly that candidate B wins
really, really care strongly that candidate B wins.

Of coarse there are other ways to show intensity of feeling: volunteer, show up for Freeper rallies, write letters etc....

[cripplecreek]

fiscally conservative and socially liberal

Sounds like the democratic party to me. Or at least what they claim to be.

[Suzy Quzy]

Libertarian...pro-abortion.....pro-drugs BUT you pay for them yourselves which covers the fiscally conservative aspect....otherwise liberatrians are LIBERAL!!!

[ConservativeMind]

Libertarians, by principle, believe taxes should be almost nonexistent. With virtually no tax base, there can be virtually no government to interfere with our lives.

And that is like Hillary in what way?

[MikeA]

Total crap.

[texaslil]

We used to say: "What if they gave a war and nobody came?"

Maybe we need to have elections and nobody comes!

I'm sure somebody on this thread will shout, "So you want Hillary in the WH? To that I say, maybe what this country needs is a good dose of the truly corrupt before they'll wake up. I've voted in every election for the last 47 years. We've survived worse than her. It is with some sadness that I'll stay home from now on. I have better things to do. Let them pay me for my vote from now on, like they pay everyone else.

[Badray]

I certainly understand your frustration but you may want to consider just voting against every incumbent (for the challenger) to vent your frustration. Won't it feel good to help kick some of the bums out?

[cripplecreek]

Nor is there money to pay for roads, military or hospitals. Well it doesn't sound like hillary, it sounds like Afghanistan.

[ConservativeMind]

The one thing all libertarians agree on is a strong military. That is also the only thing among the items you listed that the Constitution required when our country adopted it.

As for hospitals, churches and private individuals started most of them. There's nothing that says the government should build your local hospital; indeed, it very likely didn't.

You would rather have a Cuba?

[Tokra]

Good point! If everyone would stay home on election day except for me - then I could decide the future for the whole country!

I could live with that.