Jennie&Tim on 8/11/2006 at 21:19
I vote for the odd people in the primaries. Those who want a strong third party (or greater) system, need to get behind some sort of alternative voting system similar to IRV. Phase it in with local politics, get people used to it; then bring it up the ladder.
Yep. I voted gridlock, Democratic nationally, Republican for state offices. Washington has entirely too many Democrats.
Stitch on 8/11/2006 at 21:19
OH SNAP
Just picked up Montana. Vermont's too close to call (and may be in recount hell for ages) but it looks like the good guy has the slight edge there.
dear god i'm stripping naked and dancing in the parking lot
TheGreatGodPan on 8/11/2006 at 21:47
Quote Posted by Paz
I also heard there was now a Socialist (obviously just one) in Congress?! That seems unlikely, but hilarious.
(ps - a real one, not a PINKO COMMIE MARXIST! aka; a moderate rightist on the wrong side of the media)
There's been a socialist (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Sanders) for a while. Since 91, in fact.
Unless you're in Ron Paul's district, voting libertarian seems less likely to work than seceding and voting with a bullet.
Paz on 8/11/2006 at 22:04
If a Democratic-Socialist can be a regular feature in the Senate, surely the future chances of sneaking a Libertarian dude in there must be quite high? Especially in the US - it seems quite the trendy ideology there for .. uh .. disenfranchised internet users (and presumably others). So, KEEP LIVING THE DREAM MAN!
Although obviously I can wish nothing but failure for that particular brand of politics.
*Zaccheus* on 8/11/2006 at 22:06
I'm very happy that the US has a slightly less rightwing house of representatives now!
:p
SD on 8/11/2006 at 22:14
Quote Posted by Paz
Although obviously I can wish nothing but failure for that particular brand of politics.
Oh I dunno Paz, I think you're being a bit harsh there. Libertarianism is deeply flawed (much like socialism) but it has some good points.
Obviously, liberalism picks all the best bits from libertarianism and socialism, which is why it rules so hard ;)
PS it looks like the Dems will edge Virginia here, giving them majorities in both houses, which was rather more than I was expecting. Splendid news.
Stitch on 8/11/2006 at 22:24
Quote Posted by Paz
Although obviously I can wish nothing but failure for that particular brand of politics.
Yeah, no worries there. I identify with many of the basic tenets of Libertarian philosophy but everyone I've ever actually met who labels themselves as one was batshit crazy, and their politicians are no exception.
Also: Strontz, you have no idea how amazing this feels from the inside (lol sex joke). This administration has been running this country into the ground for six goddamn years and now we finally will have some semblance of balance.
Join me as we dance around the bonfire that is the remains of the neo-con dream.
Gorgonseye on 8/11/2006 at 22:31
Quote Posted by BEAR
Generally and idealistically, I would LOVE to see a 3rd party that would offer REAL change in America, sadly at this time it isn't remotely possible. If you voted for a 3rd party you are taking a stand, which is somewhat commendable, but on the other hand you are risking letting those who are in power stay in power, which is the exact opposite of what you really want. There is a word for that: a tendency of something to become its opposite, and I wanted to use it but my spelling of it was sooo poor that even google's mighty powers could not find it.
Essentially, if you hate both parties, just vote for which you consider to be the lesser of two evils right?
Paz on 8/11/2006 at 22:32
Quote:
l-l-l-l-l-libertariaaaaaaanism
Well yeah, just to be clear I mean the modern conception that seems to manifest in the (urg) BLOGOSPHERE (if such a sweeping generalisation about a complex ideology can be made - it probably can't BUT I'M DOING IT ANYWAY).
In the classical sense, I'm aware that it shares roots with John Stuart Mill and social liberalism and all that - which is a-ok with me. I think that mantle has been almost entirely inherited by others now though.
But this thread is not about that. It's about Arizona giving a thumbs-up to hot man love :o
Oneiroscope on 8/11/2006 at 22:39
Well honestly I am shocked. After dubya got re-elected I pretty much gave up on this country. Just goes to show, I guess.
I am not politically savvy. I will just be honest. I dont spend much time thinking about it anymore because it just depresses the fuck outta me. I vote my conscience. I am ashamed to say I didnt vote yesterday. I always vote in presidentials, though. No matter what. Which is probably retarded, but there ya go.:p
In general, I agree that voting independant for a major office right now isnt a good use of your vote. It depends on the candidate, I guess. If I get the idea that an independant commie pinko has a chance, I vote for him. If not, I vote for the lesser of the present evils. And it usually seems to me that means Democrat.
Rumsfeld resigning does seem extremely important to me. I don't think that in itself will make everything ok, nor will the Dems getting back some power. But its a good start, seems to me.
I havent heard much about the lobbying reform the esteemed RBJ was referring to. But I do know it needs some reforming, and soon. It would be nice if voting didnt seem so much about choosing what industry controls policy.
