Thread: My fellow Americans...

Very true.

let's focus on the things we have in common here.

1) Voting is a privelidge that we all have.
2) That means that we'd be rather silly NOT to use it.
3) Regardless of what you wish to vote or what system you use you should use the rights you have and make your voice be heard to those who've asked for it.

Even though at times I don't feel it makes a difference. It is my right and I have voted in every election since I was 18. ( Long time ago ) It is your civic duty.

I choose to vote only when I believe in the party's platform or I find another one distasteful enough to be forced to vote for "the other guy." I rarely skip federal or provincial elections but I've only voted once on the municipal level.
Alex, just because you have a right doesn't mean you HAVE TO use it under any circumstances. People should get educated on the party platforms and their track record in keeping promises before going to the polls. Otherwise they allow inertia or blind luck to run their country.

I agree with Firestart -

Along with the right and privilege of voting comes the responsibility of educating oneself on the issues upon which you cast your vote. An uninformed voter can be very dangerous.

True. But with power (in this case the power to vote) comes responsibility. One is personally responsible to got oneself educated on the voting system and the parties. Once that is done you can always chose not to vote. But in most cases not chosing to vote simplt gives more power to the majority. I usually vote in order to create a balance in the government. I think it's a lot more dangerous to have one single large party in power than a lot of small ones.

Alex, just because the majority is winning it doesn't mean that it's not right. (just an observation) What I don't like about modern party systems is that member of the party are "strongly encouraged" to vote as they are directed in support of their party. That's something I REALLY hated about communism. Representatives should vote according to their principles, which (ideally) represent their ridings' principles.

I think you misunderstand me.
In my opinion there are very littl people in politics that are either "right" or even "honest". Thus in most political situations (at least in my country) I think moderation is what I'm looking for. I wouldn't mind people "rocking the boat" as long as they wee rockin it in the right way.