If you were to run into me a few years ago, you may have been surprised to find that I stayed far away from anything political. I was uneasy to associate with specific view points or to stand my ground on any issue. I generally just rolled any political conversation off my shoulder by claiming ignorance. I wouldn't vote in any election simply because I never fully liked any of the candidates and I didn't want to take the 'blame' that often comes from backing a politician.
In 2008, I didn't vote. I, for good reasons, did not like either of the candidates. We had super liberal Barrack Obama on the left and the awkward RINO John McCain slightly less on the left. As many constitutional conservatives, I was not very excited to have to take sides with either candidate; therefore, I did not vote. I hoped that by not voting I would distance myself from whatever outcome was decided by the American people. Unfortunately, that's simply not how it works.
By abstaining from my vote I don't wash my hands of any outcome, I agree to the outcome of the people. I, by not voting, essentially voted for Barrack Obama. The ability to vote is the ability to voice my opinion. If I choose to keep my mouth shut, then I agree to whatever leadership is provided to me. I am not saying that I should have voted for John McCain, but that I should have voted for the person whom I felt was most deserving of my vote. I would argue that 'the most deserving' candidate would be the most constitutional candidate with a chance of actually getting elected; however, many people would disagree with me and choose to vote for the absolute best candidate even if there is no chance of that person getting elected. I would not argue with that belief.
I don't want to sound like the stupid 'Vote or Die' campaign or Hank Hill, but I felt that I had to stress the importance of voting and show that ignorance and abstaining does not wash you of responsibility. So, as I try to encourage everyone, go spend time learning about issues and potential candidates; encourage people to stand up for their beliefs and vote; and, be bold and speak openly about your views and what is important to you.
In 2008, I didn't vote. I, for good reasons, did not like either of the candidates. We had super liberal Barrack Obama on the left and the awkward RINO John McCain slightly less on the left. As many constitutional conservatives, I was not very excited to have to take sides with either candidate; therefore, I did not vote. I hoped that by not voting I would distance myself from whatever outcome was decided by the American people. Unfortunately, that's simply not how it works.
By abstaining from my vote I don't wash my hands of any outcome, I agree to the outcome of the people. I, by not voting, essentially voted for Barrack Obama. The ability to vote is the ability to voice my opinion. If I choose to keep my mouth shut, then I agree to whatever leadership is provided to me. I am not saying that I should have voted for John McCain, but that I should have voted for the person whom I felt was most deserving of my vote. I would argue that 'the most deserving' candidate would be the most constitutional candidate with a chance of actually getting elected; however, many people would disagree with me and choose to vote for the absolute best candidate even if there is no chance of that person getting elected. I would not argue with that belief.
I don't want to sound like the stupid 'Vote or Die' campaign or Hank Hill, but I felt that I had to stress the importance of voting and show that ignorance and abstaining does not wash you of responsibility. So, as I try to encourage everyone, go spend time learning about issues and potential candidates; encourage people to stand up for their beliefs and vote; and, be bold and speak openly about your views and what is important to you.
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