I just got back from voting. I feel like a burden has been lifted and I can finally be at peace.
It's no secret that democracy is under attack in America, and I did my part to preserve the Republic.
We won't go quietly, the Legion can count on that.
I voted last week by mail. I love that I live in a place that encourages voting by mail!
I rigged some votes using an italian satellite! I did my part alright.
Yep. I voted. Not that it will mean anything, since turnout is still bafflingly abysmal. Have people really not been paying attention? I swear to god. After what Republicans pulled on January 6th, taking away reproductive rights with their stolen Supreme Court justice seats, all the Christian nationalism shit that has been going on OPENLY, and all the other crap, Democrats should be out voting in droves. Instead, they're just sitting it out, again. They've learned nothing.
And the independent voters? In some ways, they're worse. If you have no party allegiance, that's fine. I respect that. Democrat politicians certainly aren't great either, but how the hell can one observe what's been going on and continue to think they're both equally bad? No. The Republican Party is fucking evil. It's good for no one who isn't a Christian fundamentalist fascist.
If you're a Christian fundamentalist who wants to force everyone to live according to religious convictions, good for you! It's the best time for you to exist. For everyone else? Oh well! So long freedoms! So long democracy!
No. We vote in person Tuesday. I will be looking forward to not getting the stupid mailers, spam calls and emails.
Quote...but how the hell can one observe what's been going on and continue to think they're both equally bad?
Or, less philosophically and more literally...
That said, voted a few days ago.
I voted a couple of weeks ago when our county opened in person early voting at the county admin building.
I actually got one flier for a politician I appreciated. It had no fear mongering. No buzz words. Just, "Here's what I've accomplished so far, and what I plan to do if re-elected." It didn't even say what his party alignment was. I was planning to vote for him regardless, but I looked it up, and saw he was a Democrat. Go figure.
Quote from: Blackleaf on November 04, 2022, 09:07:30 PMI actually got one flier for a politician I appreciated. It had no fear mongering. No buzz words. Just, "Here's what I've accomplished so far, and what I plan to do if re-elected." It didn't even say what his party alignment was. I was planning to vote for him regardless, but I looked it up, and saw he was a Democrat. Go figure.
No pot, porn, and abortion? (presumably, in that order) Oh yeah, and don't forget to punish the people who tried to do a coup.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jbrr1V9l.jpeg)
^ I wonder how these people sleep at night. They may just be insane. Any rational person just has to hear what comes out of the mouth of a person and decide for themselves if they are loco. I don't need either the "left" or "right" media to spin it for me. I really do have an issue with people acting like sheep...on both sides of the political "divide". I worked on repairs again for our rental house. I was beat due to low caffeine when I got back, so I didn't get to my ballot. Ima get caffeinated in the morning and fill out my mail-in ballot before I go back over. Man, I'll be happy when this shit is over with (as in, sold house!). I took home a bunch of tools and such, because I'm done with them. The more tools I take home, the closer to finished I am.
Politics in 2016:
(https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/enhanced/webdr01/2013/2/27/14/anigif_enhanced-buzz-18830-1361994497-6.gif)
Politics in 2020:
(https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-c8da4de4c48afe09bd2f211f8fbc89d9)
Politics in 2022:
(https://i.makeagif.com/media/4-22-2017/ZykQ_d.gif)
I was gonna vote Red, but then I got high, and voted Blue.
Vote Red if you want blood in the streets. Vote Blue if you have sky-high hope.
My husband and I went to the polling place together so we can cancel out each other's votes.
Badgered the whole family to the point that even the most reluctant have cast their vote. Hopefully, that's just enough to put off you know, the whole death of American democracy thing. No biggie.
Kind of feel like america already died. At least the idea of america. What you guys are doing is cpr.
And i hope it works. Cuz i'm scared of a world in which it doesn't.
(https://i.redd.it/d1cuub1m7jy91.jpg)
No pressure, guys. But Shinji over here could make it into office. I hope they sanitize the Bible after he puts his hand on it. Or better yet, burn it afterwards.
Good luck today, 1ll who still have to vote
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 07, 2022, 07:02:03 PMNo pressure, guys. But Shinji over here could make it into office. I hope they sanitize the Bible after he puts his hand on it. Or better yet, burn it afterwards.
The GOP seem to be very adept in handling sticky situations.
Trump was recorded saying this and was elected president.
Republicans will vote for a bad candidate simply to prevent a Democrat from winning.
If they get their chance--and they ARE making moves to do this--Republicans will make it so they can decide any election before it happens. They've harassed the responsible poll people, running them out, and having replaced them with radicals. They're shamelessly saying they'll declare any counties where Democrats win as "compromised," and toss out those votes.
Those who aren't voting may soon wish they had been paying attention.
Quote from: GSOgymrat on November 08, 2022, 09:23:03 AMTrump was recorded saying this and was elected president.
Republicans will vote for a bad candidate simply to prevent a Democrat from winning.
Yes, in 2016 I made two really bad predictions.
First, as the World Series began, I said that there is no way that the Cubs will win. Ok, I'm not a serious fan, but I like the Cubs, and was happy to be wrong.
Second, before the election I told a friend that there is no way that the American people are stupid enough to elect Trump. I knew better, but I momentarily let national pride cloud my judgment. My bad.
I certainly voted. In Minnesota we have a governor candidate and a secretary of state candidate that have 'no way of knowing' if Biden actually won. We will show that we have more sense than that.
Knife-wielding maniac tries to stop the vote (https://www.rawstory.com/polling-station-threat/)
What an idiot. The professional, legitimate maniacs grab mics and podiums. If you're a candidate, they just let you do it. You can do anything.
Quote from: GSOgymrat on November 05, 2022, 09:09:23 AMMy husband and I went to the polling place together so we can cancel out each other's votes.
Had a secretary at work who said the same thing.
Trump sychophant and 2020 election denialist Budd won (guess which election he's not going to dispute?) so NC is going to have a MAGA, pro-dictatorship nutcase in the US senate.
He's also on record opposing the For The People act, which would safeguard American voting rights and one of a few Republicans who opposed condemning Myanmar's coup. How charming.
(https://i.imgur.com/N4SaH1rl.jpeg)
Judging from the bitter tears (which may or may not come with zip ties, bear spray, and a hammer later), the red wave didn't materialize, but neither imho did a blue wave. America remains ambivalent about whether or not it wants to be a modern, developed western country or a fascistic banana republic. Great.
Democrats continue to show their greatest talent--snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Most of the country is on the same side of almost all of the issues, yet the Democrats simply cannot win. Every election the nazi's become stronger and more widespread. This one is no different. 2024 is shaping up to be more of the same. idiocracy we are and the dumbing down continues.
"It's time to save America!"
... from other Americans.
Seeing Republicans lose because of the libertarian vote and Democrats rubbing it in is... something.
It's like the forgot the last 6 years or so where they blamed progressives for all their loses and are now using the exact same anger that they threw towards their own at the Republicans.
Anything but admit the two-party system is intentionally set up to make America worse, and third-parties are the only way that will ever change...
Quote from: Mike Cl on November 09, 2022, 01:34:31 PMDemocrats continue to show their greatest talent--snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Most of the country is on the same side of almost all of the issues, yet the Democrats simply cannot win. Every election the nazi's become stronger and more widespread. This one is no different. 2024 is shaping up to be more of the same. idiocracy we are and the dumbing down continues.
Yeah, well all the Dems had to work with was:
* Trump-inspired downplaying/denialism of a pandemic that killed over a million americans, many of which can be chalked up to anti-science Republican messaging
* Republican-led efforts to destroy American democracy and the rule of law
* Republican-implimented forced-birth policies as a direct result of stacking the courts with fundies who view women as sperm receptacles
* Trump praise for Putin and Republicans' wishy-washy stance on defending democracy against dictator-led invasion, with some saying that not a penny more should go to defending Ukrainian civilians from genocide
* Republican outrage at *checks notes* their guy not winning because he didn't get the votes leading directly to brutal invasion of the Pelosi residence, which they not only failed to condemn, but continue to actively encourage
But I guess none of that can hold a candle to:
* Gasoline prices have shot up (and down) and even though Exxon is raking in the dough, it's all Biden's fault somehow
"Enlightened" centrists: sounds like they both have legit grievances
this time around, the Dems had a full slate of positive laws they enacted, and with the backing of most Americans. Throw in the fact that not one Repub voted for it; an example is the insulin reduction law--not one Repub voted for it. Why did not every Dem running for office go over all those positive gains every time they stumped??? Why did Biden mainly sit in DC and not go around the country touting what he has accomplished???? Plus, all the office running Dems did not, also, bring up all the things the Repubs want to do when they win--all negative things and not a single positive action. They clearly and often stated their goals are to impeach Biden, repeal all the laws he passed, including the lowered insulin (and other meds) prices, take away medicare and social security and other laws to help the people. They could not even get much reaction to the taking away of abortion rights--at least not much in this election. In the land of the sane and critical thinking, this election should have been a very clear win for the Dems. But that is not what has happened.
Don't forget infrastructure. Cause apparently a lot of people did.
Everyone says we need to overhaul crumbling infrastructure, Biden and the Dems did a lot of bargaining to make it happen, it's official law, and not a peep about it since.
No wonder MTG and the like hate-tweet about some fake scandal or some fictitious story about kitty litter at some high school (source: trust me bro). Tweeting lies is easy and apparently acting like a man-child or woman-child is the fastest path to both much-needed attention and votes. Who cares that it's not reality? Neither the person spewing lies nor the people lapping it up do. And the media is likely to just wrap quotes around it and repeat it without really digging into it, at least not quickly, so don't worry about it. Lying is no longer punished, in fact, it's often rewarded.
Quote from: Mike Cl on November 09, 2022, 03:44:32 PMIn the land of the sane and critical thinking, this election should have been a very clear win for the Dems. But that is not what has happened.
I hear you Mike, but I think that the sane and critical thinking are in the too often marginalized and ignored minority.
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 09, 2022, 03:55:45 PMNo wonder MTG and the like hate-tweet about some fake scandal or some fictitious story about kitty litter at some high school (source: trust me bro). Tweeting lies is easy and apparently acting like a man-child or woman-child is the fastest path to both much-needed attention and votes. Who cares that it's not reality? Neither the person spewing lies nor the people lapping it up do. And the media is likely to just wrap quotes around it and repeat it without really digging into it, at least not quickly, so don't worry about it. Lying is no longer punished, in fact, it's often rewarded.
Hydra, my wife and I were having a similar conversation this morning. Lie, cheat, steal, appeal to the worst instincts in people by validating their fears and hatred, and thereby become a folk hero upon whom the masses are willing to bestow an office of leadership.
FWIW, MTG was stripped of her committee memberships due to her idiocy. It has to be pretty bad, before that happens. I think that the US public has been jerked around for so long that they vote to "own the man", i.e., the gov. Even when the Rs are in office, that seems to be the mindset, even though "the man" fucks them over. One of my sons and I had a conversation about the chump being elected last time, because he disagrees with a lot of what Hilary represents. I asked how she could possibly be worse than the chump, and he cited unmemorable examples. I held my nose and voted, tbh. Hilary wouldn't have got in the way of the Covid-19 debacle, she'd've let the appropriate agencies do their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of lives were at stake...and lost.
Quote from: Dark Lightning on November 09, 2022, 10:27:21 PMHilary wouldn't have got in the way of the Covid-19 debacle, she'd've let the appropriate agencies do their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of lives were at stake...and lost.
She also would've appropriately replaced Ruth Bader Ginsberg (though no doubt Mitch would likely object, saying that you can't replace a judge during an election year), so Americans seeking abortions wouldn't have to cross state or country lines in order to get one or face being forced to give birth by government.
(https://i.imgur.com/CzFbO3z.png)
If it weren't for younger voters leaning Dem, the Dems would have likely lost their elections by a substantial margin. So there's hope for the future.
But jeez, the Dems surely need to work on both reaching out to young voters and maintaining their good standing, because that very narrow split at age 30-44 doesn't sit right with me. No doubt there were some radicalizing factors that hit my cohort hard (online disinfo) because it used to be a much, much wider gap (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2018/03/20/1-trends-in-party-affiliation-among-demographic-groups/2_8-8/).
Meanwhile, the Republicans, who are normally policy wonks (/s) embraced what are essentially KKK talking points in a desperate attempt to...I dunno, curry favor with racists who were already planning on voting for them? It's very confusing.
(https://i.redd.it/k0a2lzroazx91.png)
Unprompted, Matt Walsh helpfully points out that it's definitely true (why is his first thought that the factual accuracy is disputable?)
Perhaps the presumably disappointing results of this sort of racist disinfo campaign will cause them to reevaluate their tactics moving forwa...*laughs* Oh man, I can't say that with a straight face.
In the next election, expect rhetoric that'll make Uncle Ruckus look like Tom. If possible, predict that they'll resort to playing the race card, so when they actually do play it, it's more obviously a desperation move and therefore less effective.
I believe the best thing Democrats had going this year were Republicans, not what Democrats actually offer. Apparently, there was the largest turnout of voting Democrats this year in history. I believe the Republican Party is what energized so many Democrats. Of course the Republican core of Trump supporters are also remarkably energized. But nothing about the success of either party is much of a testimony to the greatness of America.
I like biden, by and large. I know he isn't always as popular, including here.
But even as a 'supporter', i gotta say, i think it would be better for the country and his party, that he does not run in 2024.
Not because i think he is a bad president. But already because of his age and the risks it entails. He wouldn't be the strongest candidate.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 10, 2022, 02:11:56 PMI like biden, by and large. I know he isn't always as popular, including here.
But even as a 'supporter', i gotta say, i think it would be better for the country and his party, that he does not run in 2024.
Not because i think he is a bad president. But already because of his age and the risks it entails. He wouldn't be the strongest candidate.
I agree. Many Americans are dissatisfied and given his age and because he has been around so long many people see him as a status quo politician. Hillary Clinton needs to not even think about running. The Democrats need someone fresh and preferrable under age 60.
I estimate that there are about 6500 votes uncounted in boeberts district in colorado. (320000 counted, about 2% of total votes to go.) And most of those missing votes seem to be from a more blue area. Saw a large one with only 80% counted. But with thr democrat about 750 votes behind this late in the game, i don't hold out much hope of boebert getting dethroned.
Would be nice though.
A man can dream.
Probably going to be a recount, so that might take a while.
Personally, I don't care for Great Value MTG and would like to see her gone, sooner rather than later.
Whilst i don't think it was exactly a victory for democrats, the infighting for republicans and the trumpists especially, might turn it into a pyrhic victory for them. And i am cautiously enjoying the frustration and panic.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 12, 2022, 06:49:03 AMWhilst i don't think it was exactly a victory for democrats, the infighting for republicans and the trumpists especially, might turn it into a pyrhic victory for them. And i am cautiously enjoying the frustration and panic.
We still need to be aware that some of the more extreme right wingers are calling for a more oppressive approach to taking over the U.S. And, they have an alarming amount of support that might very well grow even stronger in the coming months.
Listen to this Fuentes dude. It is easy to discount him as some noxious right wing loony, but that would be a mistake...he has an audience, as The Humanist Report's Mike Figueredo explains later in the video, and in the wake of the 2022 elections, Fuentes is pushing the right buttons to fire them up even more:
I was actually pleased. I was very worried that the loonies would take over but it seems the quiet majority, albeit smaller are a little more sane than the lunatics, giving us some relief from a blood tide. The infighting for repubs is gonna be delightful. Once, and if desantis calls in, he and trump are going to open the playbook and perhaps, hopefully, many of the nuts will finally get and inside look as to how batty trump was, and perhaps how much they have been led by the nose. I too, hope Biden drops, but he won't, ego is more powerful than humility. I would actually for say Liz Cheney over Biden, but it,would be a tough call, if she ran, her politics would declare how far I would be willing to go. Buttigeig(sp) would be a nice pick, but the repugnuts would hammer on the sexuality until people got tired of it and would be convinced he was going to as many think, Import illegals just to make them trans.....seriously...it's a new conspiracy.
I see where the Rs are bitching about the slow count in Maricopa County, Arizona. What do they expect, after telling all the R voters to turn in their mailed ballots on election day? The counters are working 18 hours a day, and it will likely be this Thursday before they are done. Counts aren't done in one day, in any event. Fortunately, there are both R and D observers, so hopefully there won't be any whining about stolen votes. Pfft, Who am I kidding? The new R "leadership" seems to be comprised of, as Bill Maher put it about the chump, "whiny little bitches".
(https://i.redd.it/t4n1epxtyjz91.jpg)
They're so close to figuring out population density.
Breaking: Dems are projected to keep control of the Senate (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/democrats-maintain-control-senate-nbc-news-projects-defeating-many-tru-rcna56677)
Between this and Ukraine, it's been a bad week for fascists!
I've said a couple of times that I believed the best thing that happened for Democrats was Trump, not Biden or much of the things, either well or poorly thought out, that Democrats do. The energy of the electorate, both Republican or Democrat is currently the result of Trump. He gets out the voters on both sides, but he seems to helping Democrats slightly more than Republicans, even while the current president has almost record low approval ratings.
There are many Republicans that don't like Trump. This was evident before he won his presidential nomination, but he had such a fervent base that Republicans just went along with it, because there was nothing else they could do. Maybe we can say that Trump never really represented the Republican Party, but rather just controlled it. And with that control, much of it based on bullying and fear, he continued to alter the party, even after losing the election, as the Republican Party went totally nuts following the conspiracy theories of election fraud and used it to attack the current voting system in an attempt to fix the elections and get rid of democracy in the process.
Clearly that's not what most Americans want. The scary thing is that this is just a slight majority, and there are still a lot of people out there that dream of a leader with supreme dictator-like power. We are not out of the woods. We are just getting a breather. I hope no one forgets what happened during the Trump era.
(https://i.imgur.com/PtlAjRzl.jpeg)
Well, that's a shame. I wonder who told them that.
I kind of doubt that will stop them from voting. I've doubted they actually believe the last one was rigged, but creating that idea gives them license to do their own rigging. Just like Trump telling governors to stop those protests over Black Lives Matter, or he would send in troops to stop it for them.... and then when the most violent protest of all (his) takes place he does nothing.
I voted against all things Trump. Cleanse yourself of this orange stain and rejoin normal political discourse.
Kari lake lost her race, yay!
Also, while i still find it disheartening how many maga trumpists there are after all that has transpired these last years...
One thing we mustn't forget: if some places hadn't been gerrymandered to the point of ridiculousness, the house would likely also have remained in democrat-control.
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on November 15, 2022, 01:10:51 AMKari lake lost her race, yay!
Also, while i still find it disheartening how many maga trumpists there are after all that has transpired these last years...
One thing we mustn't forget: if some places hadn't been gerrymandered to the point of ridiculousness, the house would likely also have remained in democrat-control.
It was already a several decade historically bad showing for the minority party, and I don't think the fact they had to "legally cheat" to even do that good is being focused on enough.
If you are doing terrible and you are cheating, it's time to reevaluate your strategy.
Or just double down on it, what do I know...
WTF? -- MAGAGA ?
In his blundering screed last night announcing to a partly terrified, partly fawning, but mostly yawning public his intent to run for POTUS in 2024, Trump used a new slogan adding the words "and glorious" to his existing slogan.
Some might ask:
-- will his supporters now have to buy new hats?
-- can you fit all that on a hat?
-- does anyone really give a shit?
Quote from: Luther Martini on November 16, 2022, 07:52:11 AMWTF? -- MAGAGA ?
In his blundering screed last night announcing to a partly terrified, partly fawning, but mostly yawning public his intent to run for POTUS in 2024, Trump used a new slogan adding the words "and glorious" to his existing slogan.
Some might ask:
-- will his supporters now have to buy new hats?
-- can you fit all that on a hat?
-- does anyone really give a shit?
That's funny. Plus he's firmly engaged with the Q crowd now. Fortunately, the evil democratic Pizza parlor basement cabal is gonna have to get extra juiced up on baby's "blood libel" to defeat the glorious trump campaign. The roots of this baby's blood thing going back to an anti-Jewish trumped-up conspiracy movement, "Simon of Trent" that occured centuries ago.
Magaga = Me gaga
MAGAGA banana
How is one supposed to pronounce that thing? Ma gaga? Mag aga? Maga ga? In any, or every way, it sounds like baby talk.
Quote from: Mike Cl on November 16, 2022, 12:22:29 PMHow is one supposed to pronounce that thing? Ma gaga? Mag aga? Maga ga? In any, or every way, it sounds like baby talk.
I think that all the letters are silent, so it's pronounced the same as LOSER.
(https://i.imgur.com/Gwu1y6W_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
Source (https://www.businessinsider.com/herschel-walker-veers-off-speech-to-rant-about-werewolves-vampires-2022-11)
Such policy wonks, lol.
Hey Georgia, if you want to talk vampires vs werewolves, I gotchu. And I'd do a much better job with that than any politician.
If you want sane leadership about stuff that really matters, talk to Warnock.
(https://i.redd.it/fx9r15255i2a1.png)
"Centrism"
And yeah, conservatives aren't only against illegal immigration, but immigration entirely. Surprise!
Oh holy shit, I saw "Akk..." and I already knew.
That... doesn't shock me, but still... damn.
"I'm willing to compromise; you give me everything I want and I don't have to do anything to you.
See? I can compromise!"
I'm still on the fence if this guy is so delusional that he seriously believes these views are centrist or he's some alt-right whackjob who wants to portray a far-right platform as centrist/reasonable (overton window dressing)
Quote from: Hydra009 on November 27, 2022, 07:55:03 PMI'm still on the fence if this guy is so delusional that he seriously believes these views are centrist or he's some alt-right whackjob who wants to portray a far-right platform as centrist/reasonable (overton window dressing)
He is someone who will say whatever he believes will keep his audience's attention. He's like Candace Owens, an attention whore with no original arguments.
I'll vote that he just wants people to think right wing is centrist. Many people like to think of themselves as centrist like it's a superior position, even if they are something else.
Quote from: SGOS on November 28, 2022, 03:57:35 AMI'll vote that he just wants people to think right wing is centrist. Many people like to think of themselves as centrist like it's a superior position, even if they are something else.
Well, being on the extreme on either side can blind one to aspects of reality. Grand Funk Railroad had a song called "People Let's Stop the War" which offered no direction or insight on how to do that. Or another song called "So You Won't Have To Die" where Jesus himself came down from heaven and told Mark Farner to write a song about overpopulation. It mentions birth control, but it only mentions it in passing because "Jesus is the solution" with no explanation how.
These are admittedly stupid examples, but being too far one way can be blinding, but being somewhere in the middle makes it look like you have a more balance perspective, while making opponents look more extreme and unreasonable. It's desirable to appear to be in the middle because it make you look like you're reaching across the aisle.
Trump lackey Walker loses to Warnock, an actual human being (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3765409-gop-georgia-lieutenant-governor-every-republican-ought-to-hold-donald-trump-accountable-for-warnock-win/)
QuoteGOP Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says that every member in his party needs to hold former President Trump "accountable" for Sen. Raphael Warnock's (D-Ga.) victory in Tuesday's runoff election.
"The only way to explain this is candidate quality," Duncan said in an interview with CNN, alluding to the controversies surrounding failed Republican challenger Herschel Walker, whom Trump had strongly encouraged to run.
Duncan added that he hopes Warnock's victory will be a wake-up call for the GOP to examine their future with Trump as the face of the party.
"If we don't take our medicine here, it's our fault. ... Every Republican in this country ought to hold Donald Trump accountable for this," he said.
Though the fact that it was such a nail-biter sends a clear message that both Republican leaders and Republican voters care little about supporting reasonable policies or having sane candidates - you can have neither and have a little R next to your name and that's apparently the only thing the GOP cares about anymore besides appeasing would-be dictator Trump.
The Republican Party was not the party of integrity or responsibility before Trump. They're still the same party, but just starting to understand that Trump was not the best person to upend the Constitution and destroy Democracy. I'm happy they are not supporting Trump, but I'm not sure if my joy is warranted. Trump was also the cause for getting people who would save our fragile democracy back to the polls. I guess I wouldn't see the downfall of Trump particularly meaningful in the big picture. I still think democracy is hanging by a thread, and there are serious problems with both parties. I will never vote for a Republican, but I keep wondering; Is the Democratic Party the best we can do?
Quote from: SGOS on December 07, 2022, 01:58:05 PMI will never vote for a Republican, but I keep wondering; Is the Democratic Party the best we can do?
Exactly how I feel! Wondering: Should I seriously think of supporting a third party?
Quote from: Mike Cl on December 07, 2022, 03:28:54 PMExactly how I feel! Wondering: Should I seriously think of supporting a third party?
Who would you support? the Greens?
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on December 07, 2022, 03:57:13 PMWho would you support? the Greens?
That is my conundrum--which to support. I don't like the Dems that much, but I loathe the Repubs.
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on December 07, 2022, 03:57:13 PMWho would you support? the Greens?
Who I voted for- any chance to help them stay on the ballot and perhaps have more money to spend on advertising and get their message out seems like a positive to me, so I can honestly say it's the first election as an adult that I truly feel good about.
I also live in a state where my vote doesn't matter, so I admit I have more freedom to stick to my ideology. I don't know what I would do in a state with fair elections, it would honestly depend on the candidates.
Unless we ditch the two-party system (unlikely) or the Republican Party dies, allowing for a less evil party to take their place (not happening in my lifetime), I will always vote Democrat. It would be nice if we had an actual Liberal party, though, as opposed to our current Conservative Lite Democratic Party.
Quote from: Blackleaf on December 07, 2022, 07:39:07 PMUnless we ditch the two-party system (unlikely) or the Republican Party dies, allowing for a less evil party to take their place (not happening in my lifetime), I will always vote Democrat. It would be nice if we had an actual Liberal party, though, as opposed to our current Conservative Lite Democratic Party.
I ran with a rough crowd when I was a teen. We hated all authority. In fact, every time a cop would drive by, we would all yell "pigs". We used to say "fuck the man" all the time. Seems pretty funny to me now. It was radical, Che shirts were in.
Quote from: Mike Cl on December 07, 2022, 03:28:54 PMExactly how I feel! Wondering: Should I seriously think of supporting a third party?
That would definitely be a good thing. But the public is still very split on Leopards Eating Faces and Unpleasant Adult Human Being. Some real nail-biters between those two. But if (and only if) we could go about it in a way that doesn't result in face-eating, I'd be down with that.
People may want a third party, or even a fifth, but legislators within the two party system, don't want any more. Guess who has the power to maintain the current system? After Ralph Nader's challenge and Ross Perot before him, there can be third parties, but they are no longer allowed on the playing field. Trump represents a third party, but to be successful he had to declare himself a Republican. Nader could have done that and had a good chance at being elected, but he would have been absorbed into an organization that rejected everything he stood for.
Quote from: Shiranu on December 07, 2022, 06:52:03 PMWho I voted for- any chance to help them stay on the ballot and perhaps have more money to spend on advertising and get their message out seems like a positive to me, so I can honestly say it's the first election as an adult that I truly feel good about.
I also live in a state where my vote doesn't matter, so I admit I have more freedom to stick to my ideology. I don't know what I would do in a state with fair elections, it would honestly depend on the candidates.
The greens didn't even make the ticket here in 20 or 22. In last month's election there were a handful of libertarians. Most of them are further right than your average republican despite having several core principles in common with the greens. There were a lot of local and several state offices where a republican ran unopposed.
Quote from: PopeyesPappy on December 08, 2022, 07:19:58 AMThe greens didn't even make the ticket here in 20 or 22. In last month's election there were a handful of libertarians. Most of them are further right than your average republican despite having several core principles in common with the greens. There were a lot of local and several state offices where a republican ran unopposed.
After Nader let go of the reigns, the Green Party just fell apart. It went off in odd tangents that were embarrassing, and sometimes produced embarrassing candidates. Although, it started out as a party I could give my full support to. The Green party is done for, but that doesn't mean a new party with the original goals of the Greens can't be viable. But with Republicans and Democrats now in control of the system, third parties are a bigger long shot than before. Even with more and more Democrats being disenfranchised from the system devoted to the wealthiest donors, I don't see any viable third parties in the near future.
We could consider changing the Democratic Party from within, but whoever controls the Party is not going to let that happen. I'll be long dead before any real change takes place. Oddly, I'm kind of OK with that, because when I'm dead, I won't care about anything anymore.
Quote from: SGOS on December 08, 2022, 08:07:54 AMA Oddly, I'm kind of OK with that, because when I'm dead, I won't care about anything anymore.
Well...you just think that...but wait until your dead...then you will think different buddy....
Quote from: aitm on December 10, 2022, 04:32:25 AMWell...you just think that...but wait until your dead...then you will think different buddy....
OK, thanks.