• Lauchs@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    What is the other option in American democracy? A third party that’s not going to win?

    • HomerianSymphony@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Voting isn’t just about winning. It’s about telling the powers-that-be what you want.

      You know how people describe the free market as “voting with your dollar”? Voting is like voting with your dollar. Except it’s voting with your vote.

      Honestly, I think American democracy is already almost dead. America is a corporatocracy. The politicians think their job is to please the corporations, and the corporations will squeeze the life out of America as far as possible. Our communities are dead. People are broke and miserable. Families are falling apart. We’re turning against each other. The Democrats aren’t going to fix this. The Democrats helped create this.

      The Democrats have to give us a reason to vote for them. They should be working to earn our vote rather than working to serve the corporations. “Vote blue no matter who” gives the Democrats no incentive to be better.

    • Socialist Mormon Satanist@lemmy.worldOP
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      3 months ago

      Do you think that people should ONLY vote for a party that is going to win? That’s not very democratic.

      I’m voting third party. And proud of it.

      • Lauchs@lemmy.world
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        3 months ago

        I mean, if you want things to get better, yes.

        Voting a third party is fine as long as you understand you are enabling trump and are making things worse for Palestineans and the millions who will suffer from worse climate change outcomes etc.

        If that’s something to feel proud about, that’s, well, up to you.

        • Socialist Mormon Satanist@lemmy.worldOP
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          3 months ago

          I mean, if you want things to get better, yes.

          Like I said, that’s not very democratic. And I’m very glad that not everyone believes that.

          Voting a third party is fine as long as you understand you are enabling trump

          Nope. If I wanted to vote for Trump, I’d vote for Trump. Like almost half of the country is doing.

          If that’s something to feel proud about, that’s, well, up to you.

          Very proud to vote third party! Thank you!

          • Lauchs@lemmy.world
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            3 months ago

            Voting a third party is fine as long as you understand you are enabling trump

            Nope. If I wanted to vote for Trump, I’d vote for Trump. Like almost half of the country is doing.

            Pretending your choices don’t have consequences is childish and not a position worthy of respect.

            If you see a toddler running into traffic and you don’t stop them, sure you didn’t make it happen but you are still responsible. Similarly, if you understand the pain that trump will cause and you don’t help stop it, that’s on you.

            It’s your choice but be adult enough to admit the consequences of your choice.

            • Socialist Mormon Satanist@lemmy.worldOP
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              3 months ago

              Pretending your choices don’t have consequences is childish and not a position worthy of respect.

              Pretending that just because one doesn’t vote for democrats, MUST be enabling Trump, is childish and not a position worthy of respect.

              Voting for a candidate that aligns with my values is a responsible and thoughtful choice, not a refusal to acknowledge consequences.

              Supporting third-party candidates challenges the status quo and pushes for the real change that major parties often ignore.

              Blaming voters for the actions of others oversimplifies the complexity of our political system and ignores the importance of advocating for what we truly believe in.

              It’s your choice but be adult enough to admit the consequences of your choice.

              Yes, it IS my choice, and I explained why I am doing it, and I’m proud of it. Nothing you have said has changed my mind at all. I vote for Green Party and Socialist causes/issues. And I will continue so. Regardless of how many try to bully me or try to sway my vote.

              • Lauchs@lemmy.world
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                3 months ago

                Pretending that just because one doesn’t vote for democrats, MUST be enabling Trump, is childish and not a position worthy of respect.

                Really? The trumpian “I’m rubber, you’re glue” style of rhetoric?

                I think though, you’re missing the point of the earlier example so I’ll simplify by labelling.

                You want to eat some ice cream. (That’s voting third party.) As you’re about to take a bite, a small child runs into the road (this is the consequences of a trump victory, say more dead Palestineans, no chance to mitigate climate change etc.) Now, you are the closest “adult.” Sure, the kid’s parents (the rest of America) should be there to stop this from happening so you can just enjoy your ice cream. Unfortunately, saving the child requires dropping the ice cream.

                That’s kind of the scenario. Now, legally, I don’t think you would be liable for choosing the ice cream over saving the child. But, morally… Well, I’m just curious as to whether the answer is still “meh, screw 'em, I’d like my ice cream.” or how the analogy doesn’t apply.

                To be a responsible member of a democratic society, it is important to consider, appreciate and acknowledge the choices of our votes.

                • Socialist Mormon Satanist@lemmy.worldOP
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                  3 months ago

                  I’m proud to vote third party because I believe in standing by my principles, without fear of what may or may not happen in the election outcome.

                  Voting should be about advocating for the future we want, not settling for what feels safe or easy.

                  Just because the analogy tries to guilt me into conformity doesn’t mean I should abandon my values—real change comes from voting with conviction, not fear.

                  To be a responsible member of a democratic society, it is important to consider, appreciate and acknowledge the choices of our votes.

                  Which is exactly why I am voting for who I want to. As I respect your right to vote for who you want to.

                  • Lauchs@lemmy.world
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                    3 months ago

                    So that principle is “I won’t be affected so screw everyone else who will be!” ?

                    Voting should be about advocating for the future we want

                    And the future your preferences reveal is one governed by a trump administration.

                    Just because the analogy tries to guilt me into conformity doesn’t mean I should abandon my values

                    Again, please explain the difference between your position and the analogy. If you would continue to eat the ice cream because the ice cream would make you feel good and you’re not that child or that child’s parents, just say so. Empathy isn’t something with which everyone is blessed and while that’s not ideal, it’s life.

                  • Lauchs@lemmy.world
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                    3 months ago

                    Voting should be about advocating for the future we want, not settling for what feels safe or easy.

                    And the future that you want is one where trump wins the presidency. Otherwise you would act differently.

                    Now, if a trump presidency won’t affect you that much, makes sense. I get that. I personally won’t be harmed. But, I know others will be. So this is important.

                    Still waiting for an explanation of why the analogy doesn’t hold up rather than just “I DON’T LIKE IT!”

                  • Carrolade@lemmy.world
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                    3 months ago

                    As if anyone believes for even a moment that this cat is actually going to vote for Jill Stein and not Trump. lol

                • Socialist Mormon Satanist@lemmy.worldOP
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                  3 months ago

                  Says the person who takes their ball and goes home to the Green party because the Dems aren’t “perfect” enough.

                  I haven’t done anything of the sort.

                  A third-party candidate brings crucial issues to the forefront, challenging the dominance of the major parties and sparking conversations that otherwise wouldn’t happen.

                  Even if they don’t win, their presence on the ballot helps build momentum and awareness, laying the groundwork for future success.

                  True change starts with challenging the status quo, and every candidate who dares to run contributes to that process. Even if you don’t like it.

                  I, and many of my friends, are NOT voting for Harris. Accept it and move on. Thank you!