To Vote Or Not To Vote - That Is The Question

Spiritual people seem to be divided into two camps - those who choose to be engaged and those who choose not to be engaged. Both have good arguments for their choice.

Those who choose not to be engaged don't watch news or much else on television, don't read newspapers and don't get involved in activism or the political process including voting. Their rationale is that most of the news is negative, and television news in particular is designed to get you emotionally involved. This either makes you feel sad or gets you angry about things you have little influence over. Either way it effects you mentally and emotionally in unhealthy ways and depresses your immune system. It is better for you and those around you if you stay in a place of peace and harmony. You can better help the world by meditating, praying or sending out energy for world healing and peace. The argument makes good sense.

Those who choose to be engaged feel they have a responsibility to be on top of national and world events, to speak out on issues, to get involved in activism and the political process and do everything they can to make a difference in the world. They write letters, protest, support their favorite candidates, raise funds and are involved. They take Margaret Mead's observation to heart, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Perhaps which choice you make depends on your temperament, or your astrological sign. On this one I go with the Buddha and choose The Middle Way. I'm not a news junkie but like to know what is going on in the world. I can partly justify this by saying it is helpful with the website and networking I do, but I'm also just plain nosy (as friends love to remind me). However, I don't get my news from television, but choose the old-fashioned method of reading newspapers. The newspaper is less emotional and I can pick and choose what I delve into - much of it is headline skimming.

I'm also not much of an activist, but I do donate to and support a number of causes and organizations. Not sure why I'm not more active, but it doesn't call me. I'm not confrontational by nature. Bless those who do the work.

However, there is one thing I'm absolutely adamant about and that is voting. I always vote in every election. I feel I have that responsibility and it gives me the right to bitch about the politicians for the next election cycle. You don't HAVE to get emotionally involved to vote - you can pick your choice intuitively.

Although I tend to favor the Green Party politically I've remained a registered Democrat so I can contribute my two cents to choosing the candidates. I think the Democrats are only a shade better than the Republicans, but have an edge on social and environmental issues. As an aside I was a staunch Republican before I stepped onto the spiritual path - Barry Goldwater was my hero and I voted for Nixon three times.

Whether you choose to be engaged or not I strongly encourage you to register with a party and vote on Tuesday, February 5 in Connecticut's Presidential Primary. In Connecticut you must be registered as a party member to vote in the primary. Independents are out of luck. Here are some links that might help you come to a decision.

Connecticut Presidential Primary Calendar - Registration dates and procedure.

Project Vote Smart is a national nonpartisan organization that compiles information on candidates at all level - their positions on issues and their voting records. They are objective and their intent is to hold politicians accountable and provide the press and the public with information.

Grist is an environmental Internet news magazine that has interviewed all the presidential candidates. The the interviews and candidate fact sheets on-line.

Now you're out of excuses! Register, get informed (emotionally or unemotionally - your choice), make your selection (nobody's perfect), and vote on February 5. Either that or we don't want to hear any complaining for the next four years.

Comments

[swbikelady]

Hey, JQ. Glad to see you finally got on board. As for voting or not voting...our world is in such a mess it behooves all of us to get out and vote. In my opinion, we have to sweep Washington clean of the cause(s) of global chaos. The American reputation, as I see it, is a joke world-wide. This has to change. It's interesting that the Dems seem to be facing a choice between a person of color and a woman. I can't wait to see what they do.

[jan]

For me this election has become a sort of an ethical dilemma. i don't see either party as offering a viable candidate. Last time i read the Constitution it said that the President must swear to uphold it. That hasn't happened in years. Our money isn't worth the paper it's printed on no matter how "nice" it looks. As a country we no longer stand for freedom. I am still waiting for someone to even attempt to talk about "the issues." It is terrifying to me that they have put a woman without any native intelligence in a position to be a breath away from the oval office. As much as I like Obama, (really!) I can't vote for worn out socialist issues. They didn't work 50 years ago and still won't work today. Both candidates spend most of their time lamenting the slinging of ____. But each engages in it.
It occurs to me that voting only encourages the status quo. I am a registered voter. I do vote but am very unlikely to vote for either of the major parties' candidates. I will vote my protest vote--I know it won't get counted, but at least I will vote my conscience.