We all would like to see certain political changes. For some of us this might mean a return to fiscal responsibility. For others, a government that respects the rights of all humans may be the goal. But whatever our preferences, many of us feel like there is no hope with the existing choices of candidates we get each time around for president or for congress.
The only solution that is commonly presented is to vote for the best of the choices offered. Of course this means voting for the "lesser of evils" for many of us. And whichever one that is, it still means we vote for a candidate we don't want and for policies that go against what we believe. What is the alternative?
Political Changes From Withholding Votes
Don't vote if you don't like the choices. Contrary to what many say, there is no obligation to vote, especially when it means nothing more than giving your assent to a government you don't want. And the argument that starts, "What if nobody voted..." is just silly. You and I know that there will always be millions of voters for every lesser-of-evils election.
How does this help accomplish the political changes that you want? It doesn't do much by itself, although a non-vote is at least a vote of no confidence for the existing system, and as such makes a statement. But along with a few other key actions, it sets up the conditions for real change: A changing political climate.
You see, people will vote anyhow, and the candidate who is closest to the views of the populace will often win. Rather than cast one little vote for a non-choice, then, your time is perhaps better spent changing the minds of those who do vote. Change them enough and you may someday get a candidate that actually represents your interests and principles.
Okay, changing the political climate sounds tough, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be, and none of has an obligation to spend our time and money convincing others of anything. But if you choose to do something, why not start with little steps. Buy the books of those authors who represent your convictions, and so encourage and enable them to write more. A few good books can go a long way towards changing people's minds in time.
Contribute to those causes that you believe in. Whether that is a communist party or a green party or the Libertarian party, it makes a difference. We know that for the moment there is no chance of a third party getting a candidate elected as president, but they do bring up issues that the Democrats and Republicans then feel obligated to address. When you vote for candidates with bad positions, you encourage those bad positions and policies. When you support good ideas, you at least help drag those bad candidates in a good direction.
Here is the complete recipe for meaningful political changes: Speak your mind, support good ideas, consciously withhold support for "lesser" choices, and vote only when there is a candidate you truly want to see elected. If enough of us follow this plan we might have more candidates worth voting for someday.
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