Protest Votes
Dear readers,
>I’ve heard mention from a fair number of people lately of “protest votes.” I suppose that shouldn’t be surprising in a presidential race where unfavorable ratings are setting new records. Accordingly, independent candidates Johnson and Stein manage to accrue modest figures in national polls (and a significant showing in some polls, such as 24% for Johnson in New Mexico). Of course, if a “protest vote” somehow makes you feel better (either about yourself, the country or the electoral process) than I suppose there’s not a lot I can say to dissuade you. But, other than assuaging your own feelings, a protest vote will accomplish absolutely nothing. Nada. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Jack. Bupkis. Frijoles. Diddly. Squat…..Am I being clear? Absolutely nothing.
>The reason is, of course, that NO ONE cares about protest votes. A few writers may fawn over the concept and even pretend that the statistics are “sending a message”, or are indicative of this or that. Fact is, however, no one REALLY cares. ALL that matters is who wins. And that matters a lot. Especially now.
>I’ve never understood the motivation of the third party and fourth party “hopefulls”, at least in modern American politics. With the cost of modern campaigning being what it is, ONLY the major candidates have a ghost of a chance of winning. Do the “also rans” enjoy the roll of spoiler? Do they envision that their candidacy will provide great stories to tell over a brew at the pub? I truly don’t know.
>But, what ever their motivation, we need to look past the sideshows and focus on only one thing: what is good for our country, our states, our communities, our families and our selves.
>Can we, as a country, tolerate more UNCONTROLLED immigration? Can we tolerate further increasing taxes? Can we condone lopsided and detrimental international treaties? Can we watch as our economy continues to limp along? Can we stand for further weakening of our police? A further increase in violent crime? Can we abide further weakening of our military? Can we accept continued feckless foriegn policy? Can we stand by idly as adversaries like Iran and ISIS grow in strength? Can we? If not, then we MUST choose. Not protest, but choose.
>So, I would urge my fellow citizens to skip the “for show” voting and decide which individual is the more able candidate, all things considered, to tackle the problems I’ve just enumerated. Those will be the only votes that count.