The times they are a changin’.
I love Bob Dylan’s music, especially his lyrics from his 60’s albums; however, that was the 1960’s. This is not 1960, as much as I wish it would be sometimes. But the times are always changing aren’t they?
As much as I’d like to believe that this Election is “historically significant” as it’s been so excessively deemed, let’s consider some facts.
1) Regardless of Who becomes president-elect in November, we will still be in Iraq for at least the next four years.
2) The economy will continue to fluctuate, neither candidate will improve it within 4 years. If any change will occur it’ll be more than a 4 year wait.
3) As America considers its position and reputation with foreign nations it will continue to drift from domestic policy. After all, if you want the mess the Bush Administration created, to be fixed, it’ll have to be top priority, (keep in mind, there is A LOT of work to do).
4) Thanks to Ron Paul supporters, he will steal votes from either McCain and Obama depending on what state we’re in (ex. PA had a large Ron Paul support and most likely still does compared to other states. PA is/was a swing state, that’s why this is a significant example).
Now to get on with what bugs me.
Emo kid indie hipsters that think Obama is amazing and have little or no foundation for their opinions. “Obama isn’t Republican” or “Obama isn’t McCain” sounds painstakingly like “vote for Kerry because he isn’t Bush”.
People that vote for McCain aren’t thinking either. McCain, unlike Obama, tries to cover up the fact that he’s not only out of touch with the people, but that he is also out of touch with the general culture.
I’m not voting. Not because I’m apathetic or because the electoral college is a dumb idea (because let’s face it, it is). It’s because both candidates “worth voting for” are nothing but smoke-blowers. So if you do vote, vote outside the 2-party system. Maybe things will change.
ps. calling it historical to have a “black” president or our “oldest” president or a female vice president is just ridiculous. once you base historical significance on race or gender or age you nullify it, having pointed out the superficially “different” aspects of each individual. Also, focusing points like this is what disables any kind of unification between parties, classes, races, genders, etc.
I’m sick of talking about this already.
you’re right, there’s a very good chance nothing will improve in the next 4 years, but does that make it any less significant? you’re also right about the whole “vote for us because we’re not them” happening on both sides, but how does that make the election any less relevant? it’s not about hope and it sure isn’t about change, its about keeping things the same, the way things used to be. If it were truly about change people would be voting third party. But in all honesty its probably a good thing they’re not. I’m a registered libertarian but will probably never vote for one because of they’re incredibly dangerous ideals, especially when it comes to deregulating nearly everything. We live in a two party system and the system is extremely flawed, but it works- not well, but it works and its our job to make sure it doesn’t get any worse.
Most of the third party platforms are radical and dangerous and I definitely have to question anyone who votes for them beyond their frustration with the two party system. I find myself nauseated by the straight ticket voting blind followers but I have yet to find a third party that has any good ideas concerning the economic crisis or realistic goals about the wars.
I think you should reconsider not voting because if the past two elections are a testament to vote for the lesser evil. while we may have bad options, it makes sense to vote for who you think is the best option, if only to make a statement. Even raising the average for people under the age of 25 voting makes a difference.
I definitely agree with what you’re saying but I still feel as though there isn’t much sense in voting. but i can’t vote in this election anyway because i didn’t register. i’d like to consider myself informed and not just apathetic. it’s just frustrating, as though there isn’t anything that can be done but vote and I wish there was more than that.