America is said to be "the land of promise", one which political representation is decided by its citizens who rely on the democratic system to rectify national and international issues. It is impossible to appease all citizens, which begs the question: exactly how free is the land of the free? What does it mean to be an American?
Aside from being an inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere, noone is indigenous to America, therefore the country's diversity causes political discourse because of conflicting philosophies. In result, every citizen gravitates towards a(n) issue(s) relevant to their everyday life.
I do not usually vote. In fact, I've never voted. Ive never believed a democracy could truly thrive in a capitalist society. Regardless, I have decided to vote this time around, despite the loopholes of the electoral college, because a lot is at stake for women's rights, healthcare and student loan policies.
My son has autism and currently receives occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy for free. Without this, my son would not receive the treatment plan that he needs.
This election can determine the fate for women's rights issues. If Romney wins, there is a good chance abortion laws will be decided on a state to state basis. In tonight's debate, Mitt Romney's response to issues with equal wage for men and women was disconcerting. Romney's story about the hiring process that he supervised in "search of a qualified woman" really rubbed me the wrong way. He emphasized the adjustments and improvements necessary for the every day life of a mother and wife. Alienating the women who have absolutely no interest in getting married, or having kids and still have to bear the weight of stereotypes.
Personally, I view American politics through the lens of an economic determinist: seemingly absurd actions became easily recognizable when related to people’s economic interests. These interests include both the financial interests of one’s community and one’s self.
I think investments in education are incredibly important to the fiscal future of our country and myself. Obama has invested an additional $60 Billion in Pell Grants for students, a move which benefits the financial interest of my country and myself. I think he kept his promises regarding educational investment. Political transparency matters to me, but political honesty is even more important. Both politicians fall short on this front: Obama did not keep his promises made during his campaign, and Romney continues to change his policies and positions with his audience.
As a future engineer, technological innovation is of the upmost importance to me. I approve of Obama’s spending on alternative energy explanation and innovation, but he could be doing a lot more. Romney’s focus on the oil industry does not present American engineers with global advantages.
Politicians and individuals desperately cling to their parties, because it is a tremendous source of monetary and social power. I would much rather our political system to function more like a meritocracy than a democracy: power in the hands of many educated people is the best course of action for our country, although these political systems are designed to be fair, human greed will always affect the decision making process.
Elections matter they determine what will happen in the next 4 years, so whether you hate or love the candidates, someone is going to decide the result of our country.
Okay, yes our system is corrupt. Candidates spend more time slandering the other than telling us how they will make a change or be better than the other one. But doing nothing, and believing you are changing anything is ridiculous. Protesters do not simply sit around on the couch and talk about what is wrong, no they go out and make people listen. Action is the only thing that makes a change in the system set in place. I believe the only way to disable something is from the inside. To know the ins and outs. This way we can make the best strategy. The truth is one candidate has this country's best interest at heart. While the other wants to treat the U.S. like a business transaction. The problem with that is someone always losing in business and one always does better. How can we have equality with this kind of system. Who ever you vote for, I hope you vote. The only way to make a change is by getting involved.
As I was watching the second debate with a couple of friends I suggested we cover the T.V. screen. I wanted to just hear the audio, without worrying about what the candidates looked like, without worrying what they were doing. I just wanted to hear them speak.
This election is so ridiculous (1) because Mitt Romney obviously does not know what he is doing and (2) Obama knows what he is doing, but he just needs a little more time to do it. Most people keep saying things like "Obama has done nothing for this country," or "Obama has not done one thing he has promised." EXCUSE ME? WE, AMERICANS, asked Obama to end the war in Iraq, and what did he do? HE DID. He saved our auto industry, and has helped college students tremendously. But we as AMERICANS, only want more. Instead of asking for the same things over, we ask for different things every god damn four years! If we would ask for the same things over and over, each president would have the chance of fulfilling these things. But we keep asking for them to do different things, and then we complain that they finish anything. Well, please tell me how you plan on fixing this debt in FOUR YEARS? HMMM? Do you have any bright ideas?
If you do not want to vote, then go ahead and sit on your couch and shutup. But if you want to even dare to say something, to have an opinion, make sure you know what you're talking about, and make sure that you're making that line to vote.
Our country isn't going anywhere with ignorance. We as people have to listen to BOTH candidates, unbiasedly, and hear which one has better plans for this country. Which, out of the two, make more sense! We need to remember that NO PRESIDENT will fix this economy in four years. They will only strive to make it better than it was four years ago. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX IT. You need to look at every piece of information, every accomplishment, and analyze it. Understand that, yes, you may still be in a hell-hole, but that hell-hole would've been alot deeper four years ago. Understand the things that these candidates say they will do, or things they have done (even the little ones).
Quite frankly I would claim that this post is an argumentum ad ignorantiam, for the mere fact that the reasons that were stated to voting is not that all nonvoters are not voting to be acting "outside of the current political system". In fact, I think it is quite the opposite. The ability to not express your right to vote doesn't necessarily mean your attempting to act out or cop out, it simply means that we do not believe that we are properly represented. And this right is very much democratic, hence the reason why people, maybe not all, but surely a portion including myself, are not voting. Also, every non action, itself is an action, something that we nonvoters completely agree with( though you somehow disagreed when a nonvoter made such an observation). So that position is quite self defeating.
However, this is quite a common accusation launched at nonvoters from the current American political voter apologists. They claim we, or make inference of, that we nonvoters act out of naiveness, radical idealism or ignorance of how the political process works. Claiming or stating what democracy is( or what you think it is, not all philosophers and intellectuals agree on a sold definition) does not change some facts that have never or been failed to be addressed by those who claim they uphold Democracy and particular legislation this current political system supports:
1. How can I vote, believing that my vote will somehow make the politician I am voting for,stand trial for illegal crimes he committed for breaking the Constitution and the oath he took?
2. Most of the evidences( this one in particular), brought up on why I should vote this election tends to be fallacious and not really informative.
3. I am also not voting not only because neither of these two do not represent my beliefs, but also because why should one vote for a) a criminal who is hailed as the better of two evils( Obama) and b) one whose ideas poses a threat on the international scale on many issues.
4. Of course there are other options to the current political process though they may not always be better options, here are some examples, revolution( which doesn't have to be always violent), sit-ins, education,intellectual,reforming....etc
Voting for one who better represents my ideals or "picking the better of two evils" is not a valid excuse to keep playing the ball game in my book. Hence, the third option in Democracy and current political process, not voting at all. Which in of itself, is an action in democracy.
What to do? educate and discuss. Be very much informed of both the positives and negatives, also look at the track record of American imperialism. Look at alternative media from around the world and think of yourself as an international citizen. Realize there IS alternatives to playing the same old game.
Never will I say not to, or to vote. So I am not condemning those who choose to, or chose not to vote.
Again, if we want to change something we have to do something. Just staying at home on election day is not going to change the system, though I could also argue that voting that day will not change anything either. The fact is someone one has to be picked and one is a much better choice than the other. I don't even want to say the lesser of two evils because frankly I see only one evil. I believe that my vote can and will make a difference. If everyone let someone else do something for them, nothing would ever get done. That's not a way to fix or change the system.
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. I agree with the lady above I am predicting she is going to contribute to the change by voting your friend Mitt into office and I will make sure she gets included in my binder.
I believe that all citizens of this country have the right to not vote as much as they have the right to, but I also believe that those who choose not to vote have no right to complain afterwards. Those who say they won't vote because neither candidate represents their views have to realize that whether they choose to vote or not, one of the two men is going to be president anyways. No one has the right to tell another person to vote or who to vote for, but by not voting no one is fixing anything. We have to take action ourselves if we want changes.
I agree with Yesenia, in the statement that it’s one’s choice to vote and if they do not vote then they shouldn’t be allowed to complain about this nation’s president. Also, if one is going to participate in the upcoming election I believe they should become informed on what each candidate running for office is going for. There are many people who are changing parties for the sole idea that our current president has done nothing for this nation. I believe this is wrong because change does indeed take time. And as a Latina college student my education and my equality are what are considered the most important factors to me at this point in time. I, along with millions of other students in this nation receive federal aid and, without it I would most likely not be able to continue my education and, if I can I will not be able to be a full-term student as I am now. Earning my associate’s degree would take years but, thanks to the grants I receive I will be done in the two year frame. Furthermore, as a woman, this year’s election will be very important for me. Obama has stated that he will work to make men and women receive equal pay in the work force. Also, as a woman I have the right to receive health services from Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood allows you access to birth control options, but also regular female health screenings that through a regular doctor without insurance would cost you hundreds of dollars. These services will be removed if Romney is to become our next president. Moreover, as person with Hispanic background, I support Obama’s views on immigration and on the DREAM act. I know of several students who were brought to this nation as young children who call this country their home and would be able to make a great contribution to this nation.
I think that voting is a very important part of being a citizen of this country. Not only is it our responsibility but, it's also something that we should all want to do. We should all want to vote for someone that we think is going to do a better job. If you don't think either are going to do the better job, then you should find the lesser of the two evils. Then again, a person shouldn't vote blindly. What do I mean by this? A person who is not informed, and has not read valid articles and really informed themselves about what these candidates stand for. Not just watching the ads on the tv because the candidates are essentially trash talking each other and not really saying anything. There are a lot of people who are going to vote blindly without really knowing what they are voting for. Simply because their friends, family or the commercials on the tv say to either vote for a candidate or not vote for a candidate. Finally, what I think is you need to eliminate the outside noise and decide for yourself what it is you think is right. And act on it.
Simple, I care for my financial aid as a student, my rights as a woman, Medicare for my grandparents as a granddaughter, and same sex marriage as an understanding individual. As stated, change occurs in time. Since “Obama has done nothing in his four years,” – which I do not agree with – do you really think any other candidate would do any better in the same amount of time, if so, is it the change you want? The best vote is from an informed voter. I know what I want, do you? If so, let your voice be heard, go vote.
I believe voting is a very powerful tool citenzens of this country have in order to express there views. If one choses not vote is like saying " i care but i dont enough to do something about it". Every American shouldnt take the right to vote for granted after all the whole constitution is based on democracy. And part of democarcy is to vote. That is why I think that voting not only can express ones view on issues but also serve an example to tohers that a decison to vote can make a difference.
In this country we have the ability to vote unlike many countries in the world. Our voices should be heard in this election and we can decide who stays and who goes. Even though we are disappointed in both parties I think we should at least vote for the one that we think will likely fix our economic and global problems. At least we have a saying in politics. We should take this to our advantage and make a difference in our community and country. - Jose Agustin 11 AM Class
I think that everyone of us has one choice to make, either vote or not vote. Since this is a free country one should be permitted to freely practice his/her right, be it voting or not voting. It is a choice that should be respected and a choice that may alter the probability of who shall win. You see by not voting doesn't mean that your vote doesn't make a difference but quite the contrary it makes a big difference it decides who will win and who will lose. Does that mean it’s better to just vote ? Well if you don’t like the candidates that are running, that shouldn't discourage anyone not to vote, because at the end of the day one of them will become president so it’s better to have part of that decision of choosing the lesser of two evil.
I will start by saying first and foremost that I will never, ever hold it against someone for not voting. We live in America, the land of choices and options and as such they are simply exercising one of the greatest rights we have as citizens living in this country. However, for me there is no choice but to vote. As an African American I must say that it would be a crime if I didn't vote given all the people who would have given there lives for my opportunity and the monumental struggles that were overcome for me to have this freedom. On top of that, I feel that by not voting, I am basically conceding that I don't have any cares about who wins or who loses, which is so far from the truth. I completely understand that for some individuals both candidates may not handle a specific policy in the manner that one would wish, but those are just details making up a much bigger picture. To not vote is saying that no choices on the ballot come October 27th have any positives that outweigh the other alternatives. That just doesn't register for me, but maybe someone out there feels that way. At the end of the day, I know I will be first in line to exercise my right to vote for not only the president, but also members of congress and for every other election (be it national, state, or even local)I am given the opportunity to vote for.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it can be tough to appreciate the democratic system of government that gives the power to the people. If we had been oppressed for many generations, constantly worried about being imprisoned for no reason, or about having to watch our families starved, tortured, and killed slowly, I’m sure that we would be honored to exercise our right to vote.
The ancient Greek principles of democracy were put in place as a radical solution to keep the tyranny from returning. When we do not vote, I feel that we will have more of a tendency to feel like the government is “screwing” us, and to feel like we are a victim. When we actually do vote, it just gives us more of a sense of responsibility, and we can feel like we are really playing our part as a citizen.
This presidential race is now closer than I thought it was going to be. The Republican party was in such disarray, and at one point it seemed that none of their candidates were worthy. Now after the debates, it really does seem that Romney is actually a viable candidate. His constant flip-flopping, though, leads one to believe that he cannot be trusted, and that the Republicans are just in super-desperation for the White House. Florida is a very important swing state, so it is of utmost importance that we all get out there and vote.
I have to admit that voting for me had many different meanings since I come from a country where voting for any of the party members ended up in corruption. In that sense I kind of lost the faith in the voting system. But I do understand why voting is important, because is the only way to really have a voice.. even if in this election the candidates do not offer exactly what I demand or you demand, I believe that those changes don' happen suddenly,it takes a lot of years.. by voting we are just helping shape the way the country is going to be for the next generations. For me change doesn't happen exactly at the ballot but it does help the process. So yes if I were an American Citizen and not an American Resident I would definitely vote in this elections.
Voting never came around for me to do because simply I haven't done it before, so I never figured it to be that important, but as I get older my decisions for the future become more important. Not voting is just not helping our country. We are deciding one of the most important decision for future ruling of our land. If someone is making a decision I want for my country, I would like to help support this historical decision by making my vote count. Never the less, not voting has its reasons, if it's one important to someone.
Voting is such a important essential to today's society.. Voting allows us citizens to be heard and have a valid suggestion on what is needed ti make united states a better place . I was allowed to vote the firstvtime bacause I was too young.. but now I am I want to make a change I want my voice to be heard. Because if I want things to change in my country withn financial, efucational, and political problems I believe I must vote and also everyone want esle who wants a change.
I believe that voting is critical if you care about issues like the economy, the national debt, jobs and many other important issues. If you don't care about any of these issues, then is ok for you not to vote. I just can't imagine why anyone, who lives in this country, wouldn't care about those issues. Trust me, the state of the economy affects you, affects me, affects everyone. Now, let me tell you how voting makes a different. Both candidates have a very clear and distint difference on how they want to handle the economy and many other issues. Their difference is night and day. One will make this country better and the other one will not. This concerns everyone in this country, regardless whether you consider yourself an American or not. If you choose not to vote because you don't care, then you should not complain when the candidate that won is not helping you. If you do care but choose not to vote because you think that you are taking a stand of some sort, I'm sorry to tell you that it won't work. If you don't vote, them they will not care about you, and they will move on to someone who will vote. In my opinion, the best thing we can do is to hold both parties accountable. Stop being hardcore Democrat or hardcore Republican. Advertise yourself as an independent and when a president and their party do not honor what they promised or do not make things better, let them know that if things don't change you'll vote for the opposite party. Let them know that your vote is valuable and have them compete for it. If you don't vote, them they won't care about you. If you are indifference, so will they. We are in a very favorable position in Florida because ours is a swing state. Floridian's voter have a huge impact in the outcome. Do not miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard. Go out and vote.
Many today complain about politicians not listening to the public. Of course, if we do not bother to vote our voice will not be heard by our elected officials in the first place. Our elected representatives are guided by what we say particularly when we vote. And if we don't vote we are telling our politicians that we don't care what they do and that is a dangerous thing to tell them.
The two candidates available to the American public in this presidential election are Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. There are obvious differences in the candidate’s internal policies such as gay rights, abortion, healthcare, tax cuts for those making over 250k, immigration, cap and trade systems for reduced carbon emissions, student financial aid, etc. These issues and issues like them are often divided in presidential elections. My concern is not so much with those issues as they are with our nation’s stance on foreign policy, civil liberties and corporations which are for the most part largely the same between the two candidates.
I will speak on the actions taken during the Obama presidency, since Mitt Romney has not served as a president I have little to say about him although I stand against his hopes for presidency as well as Obama’s re-election.
Let us discuss foreign policy first. It is widely claimed that Obama ended the war in Iraq; this is a false claim, although the error is understandable because the last U.S. troops exited Iraq in 2011 during the current Obama presidency. The “status of forces agreement” that governed the exodus of U.S. troops was negotiated and finalized in late 2008 during the Bush presidency. Obama ordered a troop surge in Afghanistan and the U.S. military is scheduled to remain in the country until at least 2024. In Pakistan, 295 drone strikes have been carried out under the Obama administration, over six times the amount of drone strikes carried out by the bush administration. Covert drone strikes have also been ordered in Yemen, and a proxy war with Somalia has also been escalated under the current presidency. Obama also ordered NATO forces to participate in the Libya conflict, without congressional approval, an action echoing those of his predecessor. The “War Powers Act” clearly prohibits the president from engaging in war unless it is authorized by congress, so although Obama’s cabinet has argued various political loopholes he and his administration fall into the category of war criminals.
On the issues of civil liberties Obama has approved an extension of the “Patriot Act”, an act that significantly reduces restrictions on law enforcement agencies ability to gather intelligence, expands the powers of the Secretary of Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions both foreign and domestic, and allows for detaining of individuals without due process of law also foreign and domestic if the said individuals are suspected of terrorist activities. Obama also approved the NDDA or “National Defense Authorization Act” which expands upon the “Patriot Act” and gives the commander and chief far more power than allowed by the constitution.
In this election Obama has received many generous campaign contributions from various corporations such as, Goldman Sachs, MF Global, Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Fox Film, Dreamworks, Warner Music and several more. Many of these corporations have ties of ownership to the corporate campaign contributions Mitt Romney received. Interestingly Obama’s administration has hired many former Goldman Sachs employees. I dare say I see a conflict of interest or two.
I can go on but I’ll wrap it up here to avoid going beyond seven hundred words. The reason I choose not to vote this election is because like most elections the candidates are both liars, although one is clearly more skilled than the other at lying, and although they have very different stances on internal issues the issues that I believe matter the most in the overall scheme of things will remain on the course set by the establishment. We will continue to wage war with third world countries, we will continue to exploit their people and resources, we will continue to merge corporate interests with government agendas, we will continue to lose civil liberties under the guise of a war on terror. We will continue until something beyond this corrupt electoral system is used by the people to reclaim a government lost to greed and a lust for power. I do enjoy my student aid, but I will not settle for a bone thrown my way when there are bigger things at play here.
America is never truly free as long as the government has its power over the people. When there is tyranny people fear the government the job of a government is to help the people not scare them the fact that choosing one guy over the other can change a lot seems scary. When the government fears people then there is liberty.. Honestly I will be voting this year and my choice remains private. I don't believe either candidate will stop wars its all a bunch of lies told so people could hope to see their loved ones again; as long as there are humans on this earth there will always be war because we are always conflicting with one another so truth be told the candidates are there due to the money they have and the people they know.. in reality we were given a preset of candidates our choice was never there.-Bryan Charles
I believe my vote counts of course and I'm also proud to vote because i have a opportunity to make a difference I'm my country.Americans usual vote on there candidate of there choice base on the current living situation they in. My situation right now is paying off for school since I'm a student and I believe President Barack Obama will help me and my parents out. But back to democracy, the way we define democracy today has it ups ands downs again depending how one sees it. We consider companies as people and to most people that is wrong but to me I actually agree with this concept because how a company is structure from the ground up. We punish companies for being successful by trialing them in the court of law which in fact makes the certain company a "person" in our democratic society. And I also wanna go back to the whole Obama didn't change anything in the U.S and people say he was all talk but if you look back in recent years or if you ever taken a economics class in your life you can see that this recession was bound to happen and its takes nearly a decade to be fix. "Rome wasn't built in a day." Experts say before and after Obama was elected the recession won't see a major change and to clean up a mess that President Bush left us in will take more than 2 terms to be fix. To me Obama has put up a good resume to keep his job based on the federal aid provided to me and my family and for him to not be office would put me in a educational stand still that I have not envision myself to be in.
This election has become one of the most scandolous yet, because you have one candidate who thinks he knows what's good for the country and another man who promised changed but hasn't achieved it yet. Not only that but the people are also making it difficult because they're angry and impatient. We have to understand that a country cannot be changed over night or in four years for that matter. Barack Obama did not begin his presidency with a clean and new US, he came into presidency with all the crap Bush left behind and before a person can remodel a house, it has to be clean up first doesn't it? And in my opinion that's what Obama has been doing for the last few years.
Yes, voting does matter and one should register to vote, but I do understand why some people would rather not. At the end of the day not much can be changed and the president only has so much power and can only do so much. I have decided to vote, but it doesn't mean I'm excited about it. For me it's more of a duty, than a desire.
In the end whether people vote or not, a decision will be made. People need to turn on the tv, read the newspaper and inform themselves about the candidates, not only for presidency but for everything else that will be on that ballot. If one is undecided between voting for Obama or Romney then at least learn about everything else and make a decision that matters to you.
When the question came up in class on who was going to vote in the upcoming election I was surprised to see many hands go up saying that they where choseing not to vote. I have always been thought that it's very important to vote. And to say that not voting is a choice with in itself is invalid in my eyes. And I understand as much as the next person that our government isnt the best. But like triff said in class one of them have to have some qualitys that you agree with. And democracy is change over time. Which means we must vote and countinue to vote not only for presidents but for all of our governor leaders. In order to get where we want to be politically. I believe that everyone should vote and take the American responsibility to try to change the system they don't like.
34 comments:
America is said to be "the land of promise", one which political representation is decided by its citizens who rely on the democratic system to rectify national and international issues. It is impossible to appease all citizens, which begs the question: exactly how free is the land of the free? What does it mean to be an American?
Aside from being an inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere, noone is indigenous to America, therefore the country's diversity causes political discourse because of conflicting philosophies. In result, every citizen gravitates towards a(n) issue(s) relevant to their everyday life.
I do not usually vote. In fact, I've never voted. Ive never believed a democracy could truly thrive in a capitalist society. Regardless, I have decided to vote this time around, despite the loopholes of the electoral college, because a lot is at stake for women's rights, healthcare and student loan policies.
My son has autism and currently receives occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy for free. Without this, my son would not receive the treatment plan that he needs.
This election can determine the fate for women's rights issues. If Romney wins, there is a good chance abortion laws will be decided on a state to state basis. In tonight's debate, Mitt Romney's response to issues with equal wage for men and women was disconcerting. Romney's story about the hiring process that he supervised in "search of a qualified woman" really rubbed me the wrong way. He emphasized the adjustments and improvements necessary for the every day life of a mother and wife. Alienating the women who have absolutely no interest in getting married, or having kids and still have to bear the weight of stereotypes.
-Teresa Liberatore
Personally, I view American politics through the lens of an economic determinist: seemingly absurd actions became easily recognizable when related to people’s economic interests. These interests include both the financial interests of one’s community and one’s self.
I think investments in education are incredibly important to the fiscal future of our country and myself. Obama has invested an additional $60 Billion in Pell Grants for students, a move which benefits the financial interest of my country and myself. I think he kept his promises regarding educational investment. Political transparency matters to me, but political honesty is even more important. Both politicians fall short on this front: Obama did not keep his promises made during his campaign, and Romney continues to change his policies and positions with his audience.
As a future engineer, technological innovation is of the upmost importance to me. I approve of Obama’s spending on alternative energy explanation and innovation, but he could be doing a lot more. Romney’s focus on the oil industry does not present American engineers with global advantages.
Politicians and individuals desperately cling to their parties, because it is a tremendous source of monetary and social power. I would much rather our political system to function more like a meritocracy than a democracy: power in the hands of many educated people is the best course of action for our country, although these political systems are designed to be fair, human greed will always affect the decision making process.
Elections matter they determine what will happen in the next 4 years, so whether you hate or love the candidates, someone is going to decide the result of our country.
Okay, yes our system is corrupt. Candidates spend more time slandering the other than telling us how they will make a change or be better than the other one. But doing nothing, and believing you are changing anything is ridiculous. Protesters do not simply sit around on the couch and talk about what is wrong, no they go out and make people listen. Action is the only thing that makes a change in the system set in place. I believe the only way to disable something is from the inside. To know the ins and outs. This way we can make the best strategy. The truth is one candidate has this country's best interest at heart. While the other wants to treat the U.S. like a business transaction. The problem with that is someone always losing in business and one always does better. How can we have equality with this kind of system. Who ever you vote for, I hope you vote. The only way to make a change is by getting involved.
As I was watching the second debate with a couple of friends I suggested we cover the T.V. screen. I wanted to just hear the audio, without worrying about what the candidates looked like, without worrying what they were doing. I just wanted to hear them speak.
This election is so ridiculous (1) because Mitt Romney obviously does not know what he is doing and (2) Obama knows what he is doing, but he just needs a little more time to do it. Most people keep saying things like "Obama has done nothing for this country," or "Obama has not done one thing he has promised." EXCUSE ME? WE, AMERICANS, asked Obama to end the war in Iraq, and what did he do? HE DID. He saved our auto industry, and has helped college students tremendously. But we as AMERICANS, only want more. Instead of asking for the same things over, we ask for different things every god damn four years! If we would ask for the same things over and over, each president would have the chance of fulfilling these things. But we keep asking for them to do different things, and then we complain that they finish anything. Well, please tell me how you plan on fixing this debt in FOUR YEARS? HMMM? Do you have any bright ideas?
If you do not want to vote, then go ahead and sit on your couch and shutup. But if you want to even dare to say something, to have an opinion, make sure you know what you're talking about, and make sure that you're making that line to vote.
Our country isn't going anywhere with ignorance. We as people have to listen to BOTH candidates, unbiasedly, and hear which one has better plans for this country. Which, out of the two, make more sense! We need to remember that NO PRESIDENT will fix this economy in four years. They will only strive to make it better than it was four years ago. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX IT. You need to look at every piece of information, every accomplishment, and analyze it. Understand that, yes, you may still be in a hell-hole, but that hell-hole would've been alot deeper four years ago. Understand the things that these candidates say they will do, or things they have done (even the little ones).
Quite frankly I would claim that this post is an argumentum ad ignorantiam, for the mere fact that the reasons that were stated to voting is not that all nonvoters are not voting to be acting "outside of the current political system". In fact, I think it is quite the opposite. The ability to not express your right to vote doesn't necessarily mean your attempting to act out or cop out, it simply means that we do not believe that we are properly represented. And this right is very much democratic, hence the reason why people, maybe not all, but surely a portion including myself, are not voting. Also, every non action, itself is an action, something that we nonvoters completely agree with( though you somehow disagreed when a nonvoter made such an observation). So that position is quite self defeating.
However, this is quite a common accusation launched at nonvoters from the current American political voter apologists. They claim we, or make inference of, that we nonvoters act out of naiveness, radical idealism or ignorance of how the political process works. Claiming or stating what democracy is( or what you think it is, not all philosophers and intellectuals agree on a sold definition) does not change some facts that have never or been failed to be addressed by those who claim they uphold Democracy and particular legislation this current political system supports:
1. How can I vote, believing that my vote will somehow make the politician I am voting for,stand trial for illegal crimes he committed for breaking the Constitution and the oath he took?
2. Most of the evidences( this one in particular), brought up on why I should vote this election tends to be fallacious and not really informative.
3. I am also not voting not only because neither of these two do not represent my beliefs, but also because why should one vote for a) a criminal who is hailed as the better of two evils( Obama) and b) one whose ideas poses a threat on the international scale on many issues.
4. Of course there are other options to the current political process though they may not always be better options, here are some examples, revolution( which doesn't have to be always violent), sit-ins, education,intellectual,reforming....etc
Voting for one who better represents my ideals or "picking the better of two evils" is not a valid excuse to keep playing the ball game in my book. Hence, the third option in Democracy and current political process, not voting at all. Which in of itself, is an action in democracy.
What to do? educate and discuss. Be very much informed of both the positives and negatives, also look at the track record of American imperialism. Look at alternative media from around the world and think of yourself as an international citizen. Realize there IS alternatives to playing the same old game.
Never will I say not to, or to vote. So I am not condemning those who choose to, or chose not to vote.
Good point, Aslan
Again, if we want to change something we have to do something. Just staying at home on election day is not going to change the system, though I could also argue that voting that day will not change anything either. The fact is someone one has to be picked and one is a much better choice than the other. I don't even want to say the lesser of two evils because frankly I see only one evil. I believe that my vote can and will make a difference. If everyone let someone else do something for them, nothing would ever get done. That's not a way to fix or change the system.
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. I agree with the lady above I am predicting she is going to contribute to the change by voting your friend Mitt into office and I will make sure she gets included in my binder.
I believe that all citizens of this country have the right to not vote as much as they have the right to, but I also believe that those who choose not to vote have no right to complain afterwards. Those who say they won't vote because neither candidate represents their views have to realize that whether they choose to vote or not, one of the two men is going to be president anyways. No one has the right to tell another person to vote or who to vote for, but by not voting no one is fixing anything. We have to take action ourselves if we want changes.
I agree with Yesenia, in the statement that it’s one’s choice to vote and if they do not vote then they shouldn’t be allowed to complain about this nation’s president. Also, if one is going to participate in the upcoming election I believe they should become informed on what each candidate running for office is going for. There are many people who are changing parties for the sole idea that our current president has done nothing for this nation. I believe this is wrong because change does indeed take time. And as a Latina college student my education and my equality are what are considered the most important factors to me at this point in time. I, along with millions of other students in this nation receive federal aid and, without it I would most likely not be able to continue my education and, if I can I will not be able to be a full-term student as I am now. Earning my associate’s degree would take years but, thanks to the grants I receive I will be done in the two year frame. Furthermore, as a woman, this year’s election will be very important for me. Obama has stated that he will work to make men and women receive equal pay in the work force. Also, as a woman I have the right to receive health services from Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood allows you access to birth control options, but also regular female health screenings that through a regular doctor without insurance would cost you hundreds of dollars. These services will be removed if Romney is to become our next president. Moreover, as person with Hispanic background, I support Obama’s views on immigration and on the DREAM act. I know of several students who were brought to this nation as young children who call this country their home and would be able to make a great contribution to this nation.
I think that voting is a very important part of being a citizen of this country. Not only is it our responsibility but, it's also something that we should all want to do. We should all want to vote for someone that we think is going to do a better job. If you don't think either are going to do the better job, then you should find the lesser of the two evils. Then again, a person shouldn't vote blindly. What do I mean by this? A person who is not informed, and has not read valid articles and really informed themselves about what these candidates stand for. Not just watching the ads on the tv because the candidates are essentially trash talking each other and not really saying anything. There are a lot of people who are going to vote blindly without really knowing what they are voting for. Simply because their friends, family or the commercials on the tv say to either vote for a candidate or not vote for a candidate. Finally, what I think is you need to eliminate the outside noise and decide for yourself what it is you think is right. And act on it.
Simple, I care for my financial aid as a student, my rights as a woman, Medicare for my grandparents as a granddaughter, and same sex marriage as an understanding individual. As stated, change occurs in time. Since “Obama has done nothing in his four years,” – which I do not agree with – do you really think any other candidate would do any better in the same amount of time, if so, is it the change you want? The best vote is from an informed voter. I know what I want, do you? If so, let your voice be heard, go vote.
I believe voting is a very powerful tool citenzens of this country have in order to express there views. If one choses not vote is like saying " i care but i dont enough to do something about it". Every American shouldnt take the right to vote for granted after all the whole constitution is based on democracy. And part of democarcy is to vote. That is why I think that voting not only can express ones view on issues but also serve an example to tohers that a decison to vote can make a difference.
In this country we have the ability to vote unlike many countries in the world. Our voices should be heard in this election and we can decide who stays and who goes. Even though we are disappointed in both parties I think we should at least vote for the one that we think will likely fix our economic and global problems. At least we have a saying in politics. We should take this to our advantage and make a difference in our community and country.
- Jose Agustin 11 AM Class
I think that everyone of us has one choice to make, either vote or not vote. Since this is a free country one should be permitted to freely practice his/her right, be it voting or not voting. It is a choice that should be respected and a choice that may alter the probability of who shall win. You see by not voting doesn't mean that your vote doesn't make a difference but quite the contrary it makes a big difference it decides who will win and who will lose. Does that mean it’s better to just vote ? Well if you don’t like the candidates that are running, that shouldn't discourage anyone not to vote, because at the end of the day one of them will become president so it’s better to have part of that decision of choosing the lesser of two evil.
I will start by saying first and foremost that I will never, ever hold it against someone for not voting. We live in America, the land of choices and options and as such they are simply exercising one of the greatest rights we have as citizens living in this country.
However, for me there is no choice but to vote. As an African American I must say that it would be a crime if I didn't vote given all the people who would have given there lives for my opportunity and the monumental struggles that were overcome for me to have this freedom. On top of that, I feel that by not voting, I am basically conceding that I don't have any cares about who wins or who loses, which is so far from the truth.
I completely understand that for some individuals both candidates may not handle a specific policy in the manner that one would wish, but those are just details making up a much bigger picture. To not vote is saying that no choices on the ballot come October 27th have any positives that outweigh the other alternatives. That just doesn't register for me, but maybe someone out there feels that way. At the end of the day, I know I will be first in line to exercise my right to vote for not only the president, but also members of congress and for every other election (be it national, state, or even local)I am given the opportunity to vote for.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it can be tough to appreciate the democratic system of government that gives the power to the people. If we had been oppressed for many generations, constantly worried about being imprisoned for no reason, or about having to watch our families starved, tortured, and killed slowly, I’m sure that we would be honored to exercise our right to vote.
The ancient Greek principles of democracy were put in place as a radical solution to keep the tyranny from returning. When we do not vote, I feel that we will have more of a tendency to feel like the government is “screwing” us, and to feel like we are a victim. When we actually do vote, it just gives us more of a sense of responsibility, and we can feel like we are really playing our part as a citizen.
This presidential race is now closer than I thought it was going to be. The Republican party was in such disarray, and at one point it seemed that none of their candidates were worthy. Now after the debates, it really does seem that Romney is actually a viable candidate. His constant flip-flopping, though, leads one to believe that he cannot be trusted, and that the Republicans are just in super-desperation for the White House.
Florida is a very important swing state, so it is of utmost importance that we all get out there and vote.
Jeff Stadler
I have to admit that voting for me had many different meanings since I come from a country where voting for any of the party members ended up in corruption. In that sense I kind of lost the faith in the voting system. But I do understand why voting is important, because is the only way to really have a voice.. even if in this election the candidates do not offer exactly what I demand or you demand, I believe that those changes don' happen suddenly,it takes a lot of years.. by voting we are just helping shape the way the country is going to be for the next generations. For me change doesn't happen exactly at the ballot but it does help the process. So yes if I were an American Citizen and not an American Resident I would definitely vote in this elections.
Voting never came around for me to do because simply I haven't done it before, so I never figured it to be that important, but as I get older my decisions for the future become more important. Not voting is just not helping our country. We are deciding one of the most important decision for future ruling of our land. If someone is making a decision I want for my country, I would like to help support this historical decision by making my vote count. Never the less, not voting has its reasons, if it's one important to someone.
Voting is such a important essential to today's society.. Voting allows us citizens to be heard and have a valid suggestion on what is needed ti make united states a better place . I was allowed to vote the firstvtime bacause I was too young.. but now I am I want to make a change I want my voice to be heard. Because if I want things to change in my country withn financial, efucational, and political problems I believe I must vote and also everyone want esle who wants a change.
I believe that voting is critical if you care about issues like the economy, the national debt, jobs and many other important issues. If you don't care about any of these issues, then is ok for you not to vote. I just can't imagine why anyone, who lives in this country, wouldn't care about those issues. Trust me, the state of the economy affects you, affects me, affects everyone. Now, let me tell you how voting makes a different. Both candidates have a very clear and distint difference on how they want to handle the economy and many other issues. Their difference is night and day. One will make this country better and the other one will not. This concerns everyone in this country, regardless whether you consider yourself an American or not. If you choose not to vote because you don't care, then you should not complain when the candidate that won is not helping you. If you do care but choose not to vote because you think that you are taking a stand of some sort, I'm sorry to tell you that it won't work. If you don't vote, them they will not care about you, and they will move on to someone who will vote. In my opinion, the best thing we can do is to hold both parties accountable. Stop being hardcore Democrat or hardcore Republican. Advertise yourself as an independent and when a president and their party do not honor what they promised or do not make things better, let them know that if things don't change you'll vote for the opposite party. Let them know that your vote is valuable and have them compete for it. If you don't vote, them they won't care about you. If you are indifference, so will they. We are in a very favorable position in Florida because ours is a swing state. Floridian's voter have a huge impact in the outcome. Do not miss this opportunity to let your voice be heard. Go out and vote.
Many today complain about politicians not listening to the public. Of course, if we do not bother to vote our voice will not be heard by our elected officials in the first place. Our elected representatives are guided by what we say particularly when we vote. And if we don't vote we are telling our politicians that we don't care what they do and that is a dangerous thing to tell them.
The two candidates available to the American public in this presidential election are Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. There are obvious differences in the candidate’s internal policies such as gay rights, abortion, healthcare, tax cuts for those making over 250k, immigration, cap and trade systems for reduced carbon emissions, student financial aid, etc. These issues and issues like them are often divided in presidential elections. My concern is not so much with those issues as they are with our nation’s stance on foreign policy, civil liberties and corporations which are for the most part largely the same between the two candidates.
I will speak on the actions taken during the Obama presidency, since Mitt Romney has not served as a president I have little to say about him although I stand against his hopes for presidency as well as Obama’s re-election.
Let us discuss foreign policy first. It is widely claimed that Obama ended the war in Iraq; this is a false claim, although the error is understandable because the last U.S. troops exited Iraq in 2011 during the current Obama presidency. The “status of forces agreement” that governed the exodus of U.S. troops was negotiated and finalized in late 2008 during the Bush presidency. Obama ordered a troop surge in Afghanistan and the U.S. military is scheduled to remain in the country until at least 2024. In Pakistan, 295 drone strikes have been carried out under the Obama administration, over six times the amount of drone strikes carried out by the bush administration. Covert drone strikes have also been ordered in Yemen, and a proxy war with Somalia has also been escalated under the current presidency. Obama also ordered NATO forces to participate in the Libya conflict, without congressional approval, an action echoing those of his predecessor. The “War Powers Act” clearly prohibits the president from engaging in war unless it is authorized by congress, so although Obama’s cabinet has argued various political loopholes he and his administration fall into the category of war criminals.
(Rant continued in the next comment.)
On the issues of civil liberties Obama has approved an extension of the “Patriot Act”, an act that significantly reduces restrictions on law enforcement agencies ability to gather intelligence, expands the powers of the Secretary of Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions both foreign and domestic, and allows for detaining of individuals without due process of law also foreign and domestic if the said individuals are suspected of terrorist activities. Obama also approved the NDDA or “National Defense Authorization Act” which expands upon the “Patriot Act” and gives the commander and chief far more power than allowed by the constitution.
In this election Obama has received many generous campaign contributions from various corporations such as, Goldman Sachs, MF Global, Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Fox Film, Dreamworks, Warner Music and several more. Many of these corporations have ties of ownership to the corporate campaign contributions Mitt Romney received. Interestingly Obama’s administration has hired many former Goldman Sachs employees. I dare say I see a conflict of interest or two.
I can go on but I’ll wrap it up here to avoid going beyond seven hundred words. The reason I choose not to vote this election is because like most elections the candidates are both liars, although one is clearly more skilled than the other at lying, and although they have very different stances on internal issues the issues that I believe matter the most in the overall scheme of things will remain on the course set by the establishment. We will continue to wage war with third world countries, we will continue to exploit their people and resources, we will continue to merge corporate interests with government agendas, we will continue to lose civil liberties under the guise of a war on terror. We will continue until something beyond this corrupt electoral system is used by the people to reclaim a government lost to greed and a lust for power. I do enjoy my student aid, but I will not settle for a bone thrown my way when there are bigger things at play here.
“If there is hope, it lies in the proles.”
America is never truly free as long as the government has its power over the people. When there is tyranny people fear the government the job of a government is to help the people not scare them the fact that choosing one guy over the other can change a lot seems scary. When the government fears people then there is liberty.. Honestly I will be voting this year and my choice remains private. I don't believe either candidate will stop wars its all a bunch of lies told so people could hope to see their loved ones again; as long as there are humans on this earth there will always be war because we are always conflicting with one another so truth be told the candidates are there due to the money they have and the people they know.. in reality we were given a preset of candidates our choice was never there.-Bryan Charles
I believe my vote counts of course and I'm also proud to vote because i have a opportunity to make a difference I'm my country.Americans usual vote on there candidate of there choice base on the current living situation they in. My situation right now is paying off for school since I'm a student and I believe President Barack Obama will help me and my parents out. But back to democracy, the way we define democracy today has it ups ands downs again depending how one sees it. We consider companies as people and to most people that is wrong but to me I actually agree with this concept because how a company is structure from the ground up. We punish companies for being successful by trialing them in the court of law which in fact makes the certain company a "person" in our democratic society. And I also wanna go back to the whole Obama didn't change anything in the U.S and people say he was all talk but if you look back in recent years or if you ever taken a economics class in your life you can see that this recession was bound to happen and its takes nearly a decade to be fix. "Rome wasn't built in a day." Experts say before and after Obama was elected the recession won't see a major change and to clean up a mess that President Bush left us in will take more than 2 terms to be fix. To me Obama has put up a good resume to keep his job based on the federal aid provided to me and my family and for him to not be office would put me in a educational stand still that I have not envision myself to be in.
This election has become one of the most scandolous yet, because you have one candidate who thinks he knows what's good for the country and another man who promised changed but hasn't achieved it yet. Not only that but the people are also making it difficult because they're angry and impatient. We have to understand that a country cannot be changed over night or in four years for that matter. Barack Obama did not begin his presidency with a clean and new US, he came into presidency with all the crap Bush left behind and before a person can remodel a house, it has to be clean up first doesn't it? And in my opinion that's what Obama has been doing for the last few years.
Yes, voting does matter and one should register to vote, but I do understand why some people would rather not. At the end of the day not much can be changed and the president only has so much power and can only do so much. I have decided to vote, but it doesn't mean I'm excited about it. For me it's more of a duty, than a desire.
In the end whether people vote or not, a decision will be made. People need to turn on the tv, read the newspaper and inform themselves about the candidates, not only for presidency but for everything else that will be on that ballot. If one is undecided between voting for Obama or Romney then at least learn about everything else and make a decision that matters to you.
- Dainny Ordonez
When the question came up in class on who was going to vote in the upcoming election I was surprised to see many hands go up saying that they where choseing not to vote. I have always been thought that it's very important to vote. And to say that not voting is a choice with in itself is invalid in my eyes. And I understand as much as the next person that our government isnt the best. But like triff said in class one of them have to have some qualitys that you agree with. And democracy is change over time. Which means we must vote and countinue to vote not only for presidents but for all of our governor leaders. In order to get where we want to be politically. I believe that everyone should vote and take the American responsibility to try to change the system they don't like.
-Alex Coronel
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