Monday, October 15, 2012

T 5:40pm

22 comments:

Daniel Tomczak said...

For the first time I find myself concurring with the majority of your statements Triff. I can say with a certain level of confidence that, at least for my part, laziness was at the center of my negligence in participating in voting when I was younger. My father, as an active voter and participant even at local community level, of course saw it another way and tried to instill in me the importance of voting and how each one actually counts. Back then I would argue with uninformed reasons like – “My vote isn’t going to make a difference,” or “It’s all fixed anyway.” The truth is that not saying, or doing anything, is the increasing failure in itself. We in fact waive our right when we do nothing at all.

Regarding your questions about what I individually care about, I could sit and count all the things I’d like to see ideally happen to our country including changes on a community level but I’ve always been more of a realist versus idealist. I think the majority of those who do vote, do so based on either choosing the lesser of evils, or those whose “promises” seem to match their primary concerns, or both. I happen to fall into both categories.

mayz said...

I will start of by agreeing with the statement Triff made; “when you don’t choose you choose.” Politically and legally speaking every vote that minorities do not make immediately becomes a Republican vote. When it comes to “taboo topics” politics is not one of them. It makes the environment we live in and the rules and bills that affect us and the future of America. If no one ever voted for Abraham Lincoln would there still be slavery? If no one ever assigned a President to organize decisions would there have ever been a George Washington?
Voting is essential it has been for centuries. Those who don’t vote live in either monarchs or communistic countries and thankfully we are not in neither of those scenarios. It’s true when it comes to government the only thing that changes when voting for a president is the head. Speaking towards Congress, the Supreme Court, Senators, Governors, and the House of Representatives and so on… However, without a good head the body could fall of balance. Citizens should not overlook elections like these only because presidential terms are only 4yrs.
One could dig its own grave within days. Or make a bad decision which puts the country in to a state of scares, inflation, and recession and beyond. In which that one decision of saying yes to war takes more than a decade to fix.
I believe that topics which are public and do affect us is not something we should keep hush. Discretion; in this incidence, is ignorance.

-Maybelis Velasquez

Frantz Jean baptiste said...

This is going to be my first time voting in the United States. To be honest, I never liked politic, I used to believe that my vote would never count, and I would never be able to make a difference. I come from a country were politic is very different than politic in the United States. Back where I come from the majority of people living there do not really believe in democracy, they do not even know their rights. Once you give those people some cash, food, and a gun to go around shouting innocent people, then you can count on them to vote for you, even when they know that you are not the right candidate to vote for. They will even cheat by trying to vote more than one time for you. Those are the reason why I never liked politics.

When I came to America, I use to keep that same method. I used to believe that I could never make a difference. Whenever my friends started talking about politics, I just leave. When I started getting into politics was in 2008, when I was listening to some of President Obama’s speeches about our right to vote, that was when I started to realize the importance of my vote. How things are different from back home. As a student I learned now my vote, your vote, our vote can make a difference, and we all should believe in democracy.

Unknown said...

It is imperative that undecided voters and non voters realize that we have a great power in our hands. A power that so many people around the world do not have the luxury of possessing.


I care about several issues, but the main ones I advocate for are Education and Immigration. I believe that everyone should educate themselves on issues concerning our country. For me, it is important that our Education system grows and that we have better teachers with much better pay. Teachers spend plenty of time with impressionable kids that need guidance and support. We cannot compete on the world stage in technology and science advances if we're failing to provide children with the proper education they need. The high costs of tuition has also bolstered the dreams of many young adults trying to pursue higher learning. I think the education that our kids are receiving now is a watered down version of what they should really be taught.


When it comes to the issue of Immigration, things get personal for me. I have been so disappointed by the lack of government initiative. Self deportation is not the answer and sending back so many immigrants that have no criminal record, who have only been trying to provide a better life for their families is beyond cruel. The government has been tearing families apart for so long. Obama promised changes in Immigration reform within his first year in office and it did not occur. Romney says he supports young latinos who are trying to go to college, yet he promised to stop the Dream Act. I wish I knew how to create a reform that would help the millions of immigrants who are just here for the American dream. However, I am casting a vote in the hopes that change occurs. Someday, somehow it will happen. Latinos aren't a small minority anymore. Our voices are only getting louder.


I will keep voting, no matter what. People need to be realistic and just do their own research. Yes, both parties have lied to us, both have let us down. You just have to choose which lies you're willing to stand behind. But not voting only makes things worse. If you want things to change, to be better, you have to do something about it. Being on the sidelines equals weakness to me.

Nancy Macias

Giselle C. said...

This will be my second time voting. I have chosen to vote this year because I want to exercise my right as a woman to vote. August 26, 1920 the nineteenth amendment was created for us women to utilize. By not voting we are taking for granted the work and efforts of the countless women who endeavored for our voting rights. By not voting we are telling them all you have done was futile and in vain. I chose to vote for the Democratic Party because I believe in equal rights. I believe that gay marriages should be allowed because it is a human right in the same manner women were given the right to vote. I believe that women should be given the right to chose what they would want to do with their pregnancy no matter what their situation is, I do not believe the government should dictate our rights on that subject. I believe that companies that outsource the jobs to other countries should be taxed as equally as if the jobs where provided here in the states. I am voting on issues that pertain me and that affect me. I am one out of million people with my views but I am one that is voting this year. One person can make a difference.

Giselle Cintron

Toletha Collins said...

This will be my first time voting even though I have been a registered voter since I left high school. I never was the type of person to focus too much on politics. I was the kind of person who always went along with the outcome that comes about from the people who did care enough to vote. I now understand politics a little better because I’m taking social environment which focuses on politics a little. This year I am determined to vote because I care about my future, I’m 21 years of age and I would love to finish college and receive my degree in nursing. Mitt Romney is willing to destroy my dreams and give me no future to look forward to if I cannot afford these things on my own. I am classified as “the middle class” and Mitt does not care about us as people, only those who are elite. Every vote counts and helps to determine our future as a society. I am voting because there are issues that are affecting my life that could be jeopardized. I no longer want to choose by not choosing!

Julie Neel said...

It’s a privilege to live in a democracy. The ones that are registered to vote and make the choice not go vote are the ones that put democracy is jeopardy. Why? Because nothing is eternal. We take our democracy for granted, but “democracies are fragile systems due to the rule of law” John Adams. In others words, no one is above the law. Thus, it’s not impossible for a democracy to switch to an anarchy where the law of the stronger rules. If the ones living in a democracy are not satisfied with it, then in what kind of government would they prefer live in? Monarchy? Autocracy? Dictatorship? Communism? Compare to those four types of system of government does not democracy gives you a sense of rightness and freedom? Well, it does for me. Some people argue that Democrats and republicans are nothing but the same party. How can it possibly true? Their opinions and proposals for our country are distinct. Of course similarities between their ideas exist. After all, they both stand for America. Nonetheless, their goals are different. Therefore, the ones that have the privilege to elect our future ruler should take advantage of their opportunity. By voting, we are keeping democracy alive.
Julie Neel

Mitt Romney said...

Good evening my fellow Americans your future President Mitt Romney typing, I just wanted to tell you middle class Americans to vote me into office, I plan on lowing taxes on the rich because they pay more taxes than any American. I plan on raising taxes on low income americans to help better balance our economy. I want to be able to fix our health care system by eliminating Obama care and medicare. Insurance should be for those who can afford it. Social security needs to become better by eliminating it. I am not going to destroy education but nobody should be entitled to it. No more student loans will fix our economy. Vote for me this election and I promise that I will fix your economic problem by giving you better options to join the military. We need to disarm Iran, those people are causing terrorism against my business partners. I also want to help our economy but putting more government spending on the military. I don't think we need to spend our vote on Osama, I mean Nobama. Women I will put you in a special folder where you deserve to be. Women who believe they have rights, that is ludacris. Vote for me this election and you America will not regret it.

Anonymous said...

By: Nerea Duran

Voting is a privileged that not every country has. I hate when I hear that some people don’t want to vote as an act of protest. I try to understand their point by listening to how disappointed they are at Obama for not keeping some of his promises. Do these people think that the president owns a big blue magic button that he can press and make everything alright? When he became the president we had just gotten our self in a war, expending thousands of dollars and is not easy to come back from that. In my opinion, he is not the worst president we ever had. Everyone should vote for whatever party they are involved with. Believe or not, every vote counts. Some people really don’t know how good they have it. Imagine living in a Country where you don’t have these kinds of privileges. We are lucky to have the power to choose who stays in power or who doesn’t. So for the people who don’t want to vote in protest I tell them, none of the candidates are perfect, but I’m sure there is one candidate you like more than the other one. Do yourself a favor and be part of the freedom that this country is offering. If not, don’t complain when you don’t see things going your way because by not voting, you are basically sewing your own mouth.

By Nerea Duran

Anonymous said...

I think many are put off by the idea of voting simply because "the people" ultimately don't elect the President, the electoral college does. This method of indirect voting deters many because of it's in-transparency. Prior elections have demonstrated that albeit a candidate may win the popular vote, the electoral college does have definitive word on whom will become president. Although I find it crucial to vote, I can see why many think that even if they do "speak up" their words will be dismissed. The lack of political representation and diversity is also an influential part on the absence of voting. The monopoly that the sole two parties have in the political arena is not representative of the 300 million plus people that currently reside in the US.


Stteffanny Cott

Anonymous said...

I believe that Democracy is a verb that has to be excercised. More than a believe or a state, being a democrat, meand taking actions and excercisiing our rights as citizens of this country. I agree with the idea that we shoudl focus on what we really care for, going more into the specifics, whether is jobs, school aids, the oil problems. At the end of the day we don't know what the future holds, but for now we can only narrow our view and balance things out. At the end each candidate will do as their private intentions. Let's excercise democracy.

Stephanie Santana

Unknown said...

I definitely agree with the statement, when you don’t choose, you choose. If you don’t vote for change, how can you expect change? There is a saying that says little by little a little becomes a lot. If you decide to vote, why not convince someone else of the reasons they should vote. It will cause a ripple effect and your vote will make a difference. Yes the candidates might be very similar but there is only so much a president can do, and they are going to do the best they can. If you choose to vote for the presidency you are more likely to vote for other things in your community that are more directly involved with your daily lives, and you can create change. Thank goodness we even have the right to vote! Why are we going to take that for granted? We have so much, but nothing can be perfect. All we can do is put as much effort as possible in what we have and try to improve every day. Thats the way life works, so if your going to choose to just sit around in protest because you don’t agree with the way something works. What are you doing for what you disagree with, NOTHING! “Be the change you want to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

Anonymous said...

Voting is important because it give you the right to choose who is going to be your next president and representatives. It is also essential for shaping your community.
Voting is important because you get to practice your right and have an opinion on very serious topics. Voting is your voice as an American Citizen.
It allows you to hold elected officials accountable for the decisions they make, whether it’s good or bad, you voice or vote will be heard. Not everyone is allowed to vote in the world, but since we have the right to vote that is guaranteed by the constitution, we should be grateful that we have it.

Jose Gallegos.

Joyce Jimenez said...

Voting is in many aspects is important to the United States. In fact this is considered a privilege because not every country provides this type of opportunity. When it comes down to the question whether or not people are going to vote and they respond no because they want to protest about it, I don’t really believe it is a wise decision. The truth is, every vote counts. Usually the people that complain the most would be the ones that didn't vote at all. By pursuing this act, you’re not changing anything. If you believe that both candidates are the same, you should at least vote for one that you might think would benefit you. Yes, it is true that they do promise many things, and some things they just don’t come through in, but you have to understand all the circumstance they are put through. You may never know, they might do something that might benefit everyone. All I’m trying to say is, that voting is an important act in making America better, if you don’t make the proper decision, such as not voting, it might end up impacting you a lot. You always have to think about other countries and how they don’t even have a say in government and who they choose as a leader.

Anonymous said...

Yannery Garcia
It may be said of all elections; however, I feel this election is the most important we've had to face in quite a while given the state of our economy and issues from unemployment to the war in Afghanistan. And though the candidates may not be ideal given the current state of our country it is our duty as citizens of this great nation to vote for the candidate we feel can turn this sinking ship around. The idea of taking a stand by not voting can't be felt unless it is done in the masses and even then what is the idea, what can be changed from not voting? Very little I believe. As citizens, our loudest voice is our vote. By choosing a party, a candidate, you force other parties to change their political stand, whether making liberals a tad bit more conservatives or vice versa in hope that they may sway your vote next term. You can make changes by just voting. However, knowing what you're voting for, being informed, is as important as voting since we want to make it count. For this reason I urge all to go to each candidate's page to read upon their plans and use common sense since they lack details but VOTE for the one you feel can improve the issues important to you.

Yannery Garcia

Debbie Barahona said...

I believe every US citizen, when eligible should exercise their right to vote. Not only for the presidential election but also when it comes to voting for our state representatives (every four years) and Senators (every six years). Every four years the country gets roused up for the presidential election, but not everyone is as enthused when it comes to voting for our senators or representatives. In my opinion the vote for our senators and representatives counts more than does our vote for the president, as they are the ones who along with the president determine the laws enacted upon us and they are also the ones who represent our state.
Another great reason to vote is other than voting for members of government we vote for state laws, regulations, and funding for schools, parks, and museums which are very important for every person and so I would like to encourage everyone who will vote, to become informed on not only the national issues but also the state issues, and more specifically county issues which directly affects us. Before the November elections every registered voter should get a sample ballot which will tell you everything you will be voting for so please be informed and don’t skip out on voting for these other very important issues, I know I won’t because just like Professor Triff said” When you don’t choose, you choose” in other words beggars can’t be choosers and luckily in this great country of ours we have the right to choose.

Anonymous said...

As citizens of America, we should vote regardless because it is the right choice. Over the years, people did not want to vote because they think their vote don't count or they are careless about their future and what's going on around their community. but really every vote count and to listen to people they don't want to vote , but complain about the government makes me angry at times cause they do have choice and they fail to realize that they change something by voting
Renette Charles

Aleia Rodriguez said...

I find it a little absurd that some people believe that they shouldn't vote in an attempt to protest against the candidates. By you not voting, who are you really helping? It really sounds like you just choose to not do your research on the candidates because if you really read up on each person, you'll find yourself agreeing with one or the other. Some choices and plans of Romney scare me quite a bit, and people our average age (college students) might find yourselves benefitting a bit more from Obama. Sure he might not have 'completed' some of his plans, but there's only so much a president can do in a few years. All of the president's jobs are HUGE and take a lot of time. Think about yourself in his chair and I'd like to see you clean up the mess Bush left for us. I feel Obama deserves a chance to finish his plans, he's really got great intentions to make everyone in the country happy. I'm not forcing my beliefs upon anyone but you're only hurting yourself by not voting. We are so priveleged with this right to freedom, how can you not take advantage of it?

Olga Lucia said...

“Why Bother? It’s all rigged anyway!” At times that’s what I think about our electoral process and yet I still make it a point to go out and vote. If anything else, by doing so, I feel that I have gained the right and the privilege to b!*@h and complain.

-Olga L. Gomez

Samantha Reininger said...

I'm 25 years old and I've never voted before, it has never been to protest the candidates or country (I think that seems ridiculous) but just lack of interest. I felt like that my vote didn't really matter, "it's just one vote" and I was uneducated about the subjects so I felt like it was somewhat wrong for me to be voting blindly. I really don't like either of the candidats but I believe it is better to pick what I would consider the lesser of the two evils. The decisions that they will make once in office WILL effect me weither it is womens rights or healthcare options and I'm at a point in my life that these decisions and actions are really serious for me. It's time for the younger generations to get educated about the topics and act because it's our future that these politicians are controlling.

-Samantha Reininger

Anonymous said...

Jessica Lopez said…
Let me begin by agreeing with this post Triff; even when you don’t choose, you choose. The basis of democracy is the right and ability of voicing your concerns, issues and suggestions. This pool of consensus is what made this country the leading nation of the world.
With this said, I am an unregistered voter who did not choose, therefore have chosen. I will not be the voice that decided on our future, for I was silent. My argument or excuse was that I had not educated myself thoroughly on each candidate’s propositions or the key points of this election. My choice of not voting was not out of rebellious release, but of the fear of voting blindly and affecting the people who are in need of a right choice. I now realize that due to the absence of my vote, my and/ or our matters will probably not be satisfied by my doing, as I did not contribute. Although this is my truth for this election, I will be prepared for the following and will vote. Next time, I will choose for myself.

Anonymous said...

Apathetic and swing voters don’t understand the privilege of voting. They don’t know how lucky they are to live in a country where their vote actually counts. As a first time voter (despite my lack of interest in politics) I have watched all the debates and really kept up with each candidate. Also, as a Hispanic female I treasure my right to vote. The fact that both candidates are struggling hard to lure in female votes is astounding. Considering the fact that half way around the world women my same age are deprived the right to even drive a car. Less than a century ago, someone of my gender and ethnicity couldn’t even have a penny to their name. And here are two possible future leaders practically speaking to me, handing out rights and promises.
Celeste Guerra