I've heard at least five people in various places talking about how Ralph Nader is going to contribute to the re-election of George W. Bush "just like last time."
To people like that, I have nothing constructive to say, other than if you believe that, you stand a better chance at contributing to the re-election of Jorge than anyone who votes for Nader. Depending on his campaign issues, I'm pretty sure I'm going to vote for Nader, just like I did in 2000, and proudly, I might add, because I'm sure as fuck not going to vote for John Kerry or John Edwards, neither of whom I wholly trust, and neither of whom I believe in on any level.
Has anyone really remembered the concept of voting on principle? How soon people forget the 60's, where concepts like justice and equality were more easily defined and, thus, polarized American voters on what was right and what was wrong, making voting on principles essential. Sure, those same people were bought out in the 80's, but does that mean their original spirit was misdirected?
Let me ask you this: what has voting for a centrist, universally-palatable, ostensibly middle-of-the-road candidate actually done for this country? Perpetuated a damaging war on drugs, continued lining the pockets of the extremely wealthy with virtually no regard for anyone else, and constructed an enemy with which to fight a perpetual war? (Yes, I do think Bill Clinton was a decent president compared to Reagan and Bush v.1, but that isn't really saying much.) I won't deny that Kerry and Edwards have their positive traits, but they are ultimately bound by the fear of the unknown that people call "pragmatism," and, ultimately, they're just rich white men in business for themselves.
In all truth, I could very well have voted Democratic this year, but only if Al Sharpton had become the party nominee.
To people like that, I have nothing constructive to say, other than if you believe that, you stand a better chance at contributing to the re-election of Jorge than anyone who votes for Nader. Depending on his campaign issues, I'm pretty sure I'm going to vote for Nader, just like I did in 2000, and proudly, I might add, because I'm sure as fuck not going to vote for John Kerry or John Edwards, neither of whom I wholly trust, and neither of whom I believe in on any level.
Has anyone really remembered the concept of voting on principle? How soon people forget the 60's, where concepts like justice and equality were more easily defined and, thus, polarized American voters on what was right and what was wrong, making voting on principles essential. Sure, those same people were bought out in the 80's, but does that mean their original spirit was misdirected?
Let me ask you this: what has voting for a centrist, universally-palatable, ostensibly middle-of-the-road candidate actually done for this country? Perpetuated a damaging war on drugs, continued lining the pockets of the extremely wealthy with virtually no regard for anyone else, and constructed an enemy with which to fight a perpetual war? (Yes, I do think Bill Clinton was a decent president compared to Reagan and Bush v.1, but that isn't really saying much.) I won't deny that Kerry and Edwards have their positive traits, but they are ultimately bound by the fear of the unknown that people call "pragmatism," and, ultimately, they're just rich white men in business for themselves.
In all truth, I could very well have voted Democratic this year, but only if Al Sharpton had become the party nominee.
mr_ruckus:
True dat,except for the Al Sharpton part. I've heard Rev. Al quite a few times over the years at rallies and such and he really have no clear or concise plans for anything but Al.