So is it really worth giving a damn?

rattitude · Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 101

Okay, so everyone votes for the lesser of the two major evils or some third guy. You hope it rains because Republicans are more likely to stay home.

But the blah blah blah details--do they really matter? In a political system that has been checked and balanced into aalmost total innertia--if you aren;t a swing voter why woud you pay any attention?

I hear a lot of crap about 'voter apathy' and all that but if you're in somebody's 'safe seat' what is there to get worked up about?

telegraph.hill · Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 211 Location: Leeds, England

In the UK too there is a great deal of voter apathy. I think that people thought that when Tony Blair got elected it would be an end to Thatcherite Tory policies. But all that has happened is that New Labour has continued these policies of creeping privatisation of education and the NHS, taken us into wars, now proposes more nuclear power stations ... Basically they are just like a second Tory party. So people feel whatever they vote they will just get the same thing.

Dolly · Joined: 13 Jul 2006 Posts: 170

I think TH, is right.
The apathy here stems from the fact that the public don't know who to vote for that will genuinely represent them.

Mind you, I do think the Brits in general are a more apathetic bunch.

rattitude · Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 101

I don't know about that--my experience was that Brits are far more aware of local politics--like nation (Scotland versus the UK) and Council/mayoral races. because on the smaller scale there is a much greater chance of real involvement.

Personally I can undertsand countires wanting the stability that comes from two party -- first past the post politics, but I will be happy to get back to NZ and the craziness of proportional voting and coalition governments.

Thumperfive · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 55

I see America making the same mistake as Canada did for decades - voting for the lesser evil.

until the Democrats present a viable candidate who stands FOR something instead of just AGAINST everything the Repubs do, it'll remain a mess.

Eerie · Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 60

Thumperfive · Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 55

'cause I'm a resident in the US, not a citizen.

unlike in Canada, where you dont' have to be a citizen to get political office.

Laughing

everythign will shift to the left, anyway - it's the circle of life...

rattitude · Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 101

Along that vein I must give a high five to Scotland where any resident of any sort can vote in Scottish elections--you just need proof of local address. The idea is that as the have a goods and service tax on purchases everyone living their is paying taxes and deserves a say.