The choice not to vote is also a choice. Election Boycots happen all over the world, especially to protest sham choices.

I see your Jean-Paul Sartre and raise you an Albert Camus. :snap:

Ugh... Just, ugh.

Proof that a vote for McCain is a vote for the same Republican nastiness we've seen for the last 8 years.

I see JW's ugh and I raise him a Fey. And when I say 'Fey' I don't mean my mannerisms.
:D

A decision not to vote is just as valid as voting for either candidate. It is not the same as apathy. It is saying that both these choices are so aweful that they are not worthy of my vote.

I am not boneheaded. ISM is not boneheaded.

Should I come on here and say the decision to vote for Obama was boneheaded, even without mentioning anyone specifically, I would be called out, so I am calling 3894 out for calling both ISM and me boneheaded.

That was hysterical. (The SNL bit, not Leo's post.)

Here's what I posted:

There is a difference between saying a decision is X and saying a person is X. I consciously worded my post like that because, although I believe your decision is boneheaded, I do not believe that you are. You as a person and your political beliefs are not the same thing. My wording was not an attempt to weasel in a personal insult.

I do understand if your feelings are hurt. That was not my intent. I am very interested in why/how anyone could possibly not vote in this presidential election. This one is for the soul of America.

My feelings weren't hurt, 3894, but I certainly appreciate what you are saying and do thank you for your clarification. I just have no doubt that should I say the decision to vote for Obama was boneheaded, the posts in response would be vitriolic.

By not voting for either, what I am saying is that I'm tired of the crap choices we're supposed to support. What would make an INCREDIBLE statement is if the country as a whole had the attitude ISM and I do now (good lord, no wonder I'm depressed.....:) ) that we are going to vote but not support either candidate. Can you imagine what it would say if voter turnout at the polls was 70% but only 35% of those who voted made a vote for President? THAT would shake things up mightily.

This may very well be an election for the soul of America. I believe each of the candidates takes the soul straight to hell, and so by not voting, I make a(teeny tiny though it may be) statement that I am sick of the crap I'm supposed to vote for. That's more an indictment of the republican candidate from my standpoint than it is the dem.

When both of you guys move to a state that's actually in play, then it will be a principled stand. You each have a possible worse outcome in mind between the two main candidates. Your principles are free riding on the efforts of others who make that outcome in your state unlikely.

Which would be okay, IMO. This election inspires passion. Right now, this country is polarized.

The New York Times has an interesting opinion dealio about Palin by Frank Rich. Apparently, there is some talk about flipping the ticket, making Palin the top and McCain the vice-president. Quick quote: