Election Times
Monday, October 13th, 2008It's that time again. I was a little worried that my voter registration wouldn't catch up to me in time for the election, but that seems to have been needless. A few weeks after I got my California driver's license, I received my voter registration information and I registered to vote permanent absentee. This means that when election time rolls around, they mail me a ballot and I mail them my choices. Now, when I moved to California I made a deal with myself not to discuss politics while I was physically located in this state. This may seem a little odd, but it has actually been very beneficial. Instead of telling other people what I think and explaining my reasoning and showing supporting evidence for my positions, instead I just kept my mouth shut and listened as the people around me expounded on their own political beliefs. Most of the conversations revolved around the office of the President, of course. I noticed a few interesting themes among the conversations I heard:
There was no mention of state, county or local government races at all, which I can somewhat concede because they don't have as far reaching effects as federal level elections, but they are still important and worthy of discussion and reflection and research. The bills and ammendments included on my ballot also got research and reflection time from me, though I wonder if any of those I've heard wax poetical about political intrigue bothered to do more than read the summary of the item before casting a vote yay or neigh.
I'm all for voting, but come on. Discuss the topics, have thoughtful discourse, realize that there aren't just two candidates for any of the positions on the ballot! I don't know if I'd rather have an American abstain or vote from ignorance, because both are equally insulting to the country that men and women have bled and died for.
In closing, VOTE, and VOTE INFORMEDLY!
- Most of the comments and conversations were derisive of a particular candidate based not on the candidate's espoused position but rather on a particular turn of phrase used by the candidate.
- The conversations tended to be derisive more towards one particular political party affiliation than others.
- There were only ever two possible vote choices mentioned, debates were always held between "the" two sides, and no mention was ever made of other entries in the Presidential race, other races, voting without looking at party denominations.
There was no mention of state, county or local government races at all, which I can somewhat concede because they don't have as far reaching effects as federal level elections, but they are still important and worthy of discussion and reflection and research. The bills and ammendments included on my ballot also got research and reflection time from me, though I wonder if any of those I've heard wax poetical about political intrigue bothered to do more than read the summary of the item before casting a vote yay or neigh.
I'm all for voting, but come on. Discuss the topics, have thoughtful discourse, realize that there aren't just two candidates for any of the positions on the ballot! I don't know if I'd rather have an American abstain or vote from ignorance, because both are equally insulting to the country that men and women have bled and died for.
In closing, VOTE, and VOTE INFORMEDLY!