From: bec@PIPELINE.COM
Date: Wed Aug 23 2000 - 15:13:16 CDT
Anthony Mako <ajmako@NLS.NET> Wrote on Wed, 23 Aug 2000 14:29:54
-0400
<<In response to the comments above, and others along the
same vein, I can only say that the only wasted vote is an
uncast vote. Regardless of who you vote for, or your
reasons for voting, if you cast a vote, it will be counted.
It may not result in a vote in the Electoral College, but
the vote will be counted.>>
This is so very true. In fact, we really do have a "none of
the above" option, and it is reflected in the close to 50% of
the eligible voters who fail to cast a ballot at all, a disgustingly
high percentage of the population who fail to exercise their
franchise.
<<When the election is over, all the votes are counted, and
the Electoral College determines who will be the next
president, ever vote cast will have been counted. Every
vote for the Nader (Green) WILL have an impact. Every vote
for Buchanan (Reform) WILL have an impact. Every vote for
Browne (Libertarian), Gore (Democrat), and Bush
(Republican) WILL have an impact. The only votes that will
NOT have an impact are uncast votes. Yes, the "major"
parties will tell you that a vote for Nader is a vote for
Bush, or that a vote for Buchanan is a vote for Gore.
That's what we call scare tactics. It reveals the
underlying philosophy of the "major" parties.>>
Actually, I think it is much closer to reality than it is to
scare tactics. Unless, and until, a minor party candidate has
a realistic chance of winning, a vote for him is nothing more
than making a statement which, while admirable, very likely will
work against your own best interests in the long run
<<As Scout leaders, a presidential election year is a great
time to not only to discuss citizenship, but to teach some
valuable lessons in citizenship.>>
This is very true.
<<I encourage every member of this forum to not just look
at the candidates. Investigate the platforms. In more than
a couple cases, I think you'll be very surprised.>>
This is very true, which often will lead to a decision that you
don't REALLY want the third party candidate to be President anyway.
A request. During the primary season someone, hopefully here,
posted a URL for a site where you could answer questions about
your views on major issues. Those views were then compared with
the views of the various candidates and the site suggested who
your "best" choice would be. I neglected to bookmark the site,
and can't find the URL. Does anyone happen to recall it? Thanks.
--
Bruce E. Cobern
mailto:bec@pipeline.com
-----
Sent using MailStart.com ( http://MailStart.Com/welcome.html )
The FREE way to access your mailbox via any web browser, anywhere!
