To abstain is a vote in it's own right. The vote otherwise is positive - an endorsement. If I cannot endorse that Republican offering - IOW if I don't agree with him in substance - to what end would I lend him my endorsement?
Indeed, I shall not lend my endorsement to such a one. It is precisely the vote for the lesser evil that has put us where we are - A rabid communist in the white house, and no opposition to his agenda. Had we not spent all these years voting for the lesser evil, perhaps there would be more than a handful of spines in a Republican controlled congress to oppose him... And I would add that, by and large, the only ones who DID oppose him (and the GOPe) were those of the ideological far right.
Liberalism is not winning on merit. It is winning because it stands unopposed.
I don't see how electing a NY Yankee liberal is going to help matters in the least. Leave the liberalism to the democrats please. If you want my vote, give me someone to vote *for*.
-To abstain is a vote in it’s own right.-
I understand your conundrum. But I will never the less attempt to persuade you to cast a ballot.
Keep in mind, I share your disgust and disappointment. But leave emotions aside and examine the math.
If you have a nation where 50% of the eligible pool participate.
That means, that 50% are not represented.
Now you have a subset of people who firmly believe that people have the right to marry their dog.
These ‘Doggers’ represent only 5% of the population, but they are strong willed and motivated.
100% of the Doggers vote.
They are a powerful lobby as they represent 10% of the actual voting population.
The elections are held, the next thing you know, some Justice of the Peace ends up in prison for refusing to marry a gentleman to his Labrador.
The 50% of the people who did not vote are up in arms and disgusted, and say,”And THAT’s why I don’t vote!”.
The non-Dogger voters say,”That’s disgusting! That’s why I voted for Smithers!”
The Doggers hold parades and produce movies and TV series featuring their cherished practices.
The social fabric suffers yet another pulled string, another small tear. How long before it is ripped beyond repair?
None of us have the opportunity to vote for ‘the perfect candidate’, if we did, we would each vote for ourselves.
Please vote.
It’s the right thing to do.