I would really like to challenge those who get really worked up about the election and think somehow not voting for Nader is proof of demonstration of "loss of nerve," of "fear", "running scared", or some of the other macho aphorisms that get thrown around. For me, this isn't about talking tough; this is about changing our political system and curbing --and hopefully eliminating-- our imperialism. Voting this way or that way is a very, very small part of such a goal and to see so many people see that small symbolic act as a litmus test of courage is sad. Since when did courage become associated with acts so small, so insignificant? Let's let courage stand for acts that are truly courageous: putting one's life, liberty and limited time on this earth on the line to fight against injustice, suffering and evil.
To everyone who is voting for Kerry because they are against Bush and the war, I say: what's more important than your vote is that you get out there and fight tooth and nail against the Kerry administration which is certain to be belligerent, perhaps in finer, more refined ways than Bush.
To everyone who's voting for Nader thinking that's the correct way to stand up to the two-party duopoly I say: the duopoly is quite happy if all you do is show up on election day, vote for Nader and become relatively dormant until the next election. In fact, the real work is between elections. If you worked harder during the election season than before or after, I'd urge you to reconsider your priorities. Are you out to thumb your nose at the duopoly (and the liberal establishment that certainly went strategically overboard with the Anybody but Bush message) or to really change our system? And I ask because I wonder -- where's the energy behind implementing Instant Runoff Voting, which would give teeth to a vote outside the duopoly candidates? Where's the energy to organize an effective, powerful anti-war campaign? True commitment is longer than a day and bigger than an election.
To everyone who is voting for Kerry because they are against Bush and the war, I say: what's more important than your vote is that you get out there and fight tooth and nail against the Kerry administration which is certain to be belligerent, perhaps in finer, more refined ways than Bush.
To everyone who's voting for Nader thinking that's the correct way to stand up to the two-party duopoly I say: the duopoly is quite happy if all you do is show up on election day, vote for Nader and become relatively dormant until the next election. In fact, the real work is between elections. If you worked harder during the election season than before or after, I'd urge you to reconsider your priorities. Are you out to thumb your nose at the duopoly (and the liberal establishment that certainly went strategically overboard with the Anybody but Bush message) or to really change our system? And I ask because I wonder -- where's the energy behind implementing Instant Runoff Voting, which would give teeth to a vote outside the duopoly candidates? Where's the energy to organize an effective, powerful anti-war campaign? True commitment is longer than a day and bigger than an election.
Amen.
Check Wikipedia's voting systems for a look at the different types of voting systems possible. And check out this blog, especially if you are in the Texas Hill Country: Instant Runoff Austin
Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the election contest between President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry. But how many Americans will be forced to vote for their second- or even third-choice candidate because of a flawed electoral system?
Starting November 3rd, it's time to stop complaining about imperfect candidates and do something about it. Instant Runoff Austin is the home of a new movement to bring more choices and influence to voters in Austin, TX and beyond. Over the next few weeks, we'll be providing you with basic information about how Instant Runoff Voting (IRV, aka "ranked choice voting") works and how local citizens can get involved in our campaign. For the time being, please join our Yahoo! group to stay in touch and let me know if you'd like to sign on as a contributor to our blog.
Starting November 3rd, it's time to stop complaining about imperfect candidates and do something about it. Instant Runoff Austin is the home of a new movement to bring more choices and influence to voters in Austin, TX and beyond. Over the next few weeks, we'll be providing you with basic information about how Instant Runoff Voting (IRV, aka "ranked choice voting") works and how local citizens can get involved in our campaign. For the time being, please join our Yahoo! group to stay in touch and let me know if you'd like to sign on as a contributor to our blog.
...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.
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