NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok, I finally did it. I’ve been a registered Republican for over 40 years. While I have not always voted for the Republican candidate (I voted for Ross Perot for President and worked and voted for an Independent candidate for governor) I have voted mostly Republican. No more. I am fed up with the Republican leadership not listening to “We the people.” In fact I am fed up with all the professional politicians both in Washington DC and the state governments not listening to “We the people.”

Today I did it. Today I went to the tag agency (drivers license place) and changed my party on my voters registration form from Republican to INDEPENDENT.

What was the final straw that caused this drastic measure? The Senate vote on the immigration bill. From what I have read in the news (hell no I don’t have the sources) most Americans do not support “a path to citizenship” (amnesty) but the Republican leadership does not hear us. Most of us do not support “pork spending,” but the Republican leadership does not hear us and gives the Air Force money to buy C-17 aircraft they don’t want, money to a shipbuilding company in Mississippi to rebuild because they did not have adequate insurance, and money to tear up a railroad line they just spent $250 million to fix, relocate the railroad, and build a road the people don’t want. (The Casinos in MS want the road)

Well, the only way I can now send a message to the Republican Party is by not contributing to the Republican National Committee and by reducing the number of registered Republican voters. So, I have just reduced the number of registered Republican in Oklahoma by one and next week my wife will make that two.

If you are a registered Republican, or Democrat, and you feel your party is not listening to you, if you feel that those in Washington DC or those in your state or local government are not listening to you why not change your party to INDEPENDENT and send them a message that “We the People” are in charge of our government, not the professional career politicians.

END OF RANT!

cheers.

You don't have an option for "I'm Indie to start with"

You are right because that is what works for you.

Please ignore any comments on "throwing your vote away" etc.

Ever since we have developed "professional politicians" they have only one person's interest at heart, their own. What's going to get me re-elected.

Or in Kennedy's case, what will keep my view of the ocean un-obstructed. ;)

I'm waiting to see what the Democratic Party does in 2008. Rest assured, if Hillary or any other DLC-nominee gets the nod, I'm going at a minimum Green if not straight to the Democratic Socialist party. I'm not socialist, but I'll be damned if I'll let those rat bastards in the Democratic leadership continue to betray the working man, and if they won't listen, I'll go to those who will.

Today I did it. Today I went to the tag agency (drivers license place) and changed my party on my voters registration form from Republican to INDEPENDENT.You register with a party on voter registration forms?

What a strange system. The only time the authorities here[1] have any real idea what I would vote for is when I actually make the marks on the voting form and post it into the ballot box, assuming that anyone in power is bothered enough to dig out my ballot-slip from amongst all the others.

Sorry no comments on your political choice, but was intruiged enough by the concept revealed by your post.


[1] A little island off of the coast of Europe. A geographically insignificant one in almost all respects save for being the most prominent of the group it resides within...

You register with a party on voter registration forms?

What a strange system. The only time the authorities here[1] have any real idea what I would vote for is when I actually make the marks on the voting form and post it into the ballot box, assuming that anyone in power is bothered enough to dig out my ballot-slip from amongst all the others.

Sorry no comments on your political choice, but was intruiged enough by the concept revealed by your post.


[1] A little island off of the coast of Europe. A geographically insignificant one in almost all respects save for being the most prominent of the group it resides within...

For the most part it has to do w/ primaries, the voting that's done to elect which person you want your party to run for office. It's done that way to supposedly prevent people from the other party from voting a loser in for the elections.

You are right because that is what works for you.

Please ignore any comments on "throwing your vote away" etc.

Ever since we have developed "professional politicians" they have only one person's interest at heart, their own. What's going to get me re-elected.

Or in Kennedy's case, what will keep my view of the ocean un-obstructed. ;)

Yes, It is like I told my wife concerning the last state governors election, "If everyone who felt the Independent candidate could not win voted for him, he would be governor. She even worked to help get him elected but when she went to vote thought, "he can't win." Now she is stuck with a governor she truly dislikes. :rolleyes:

I'm waiting to see what the Democratic Party does in 2008. Rest assured, if Hillary or any other DLC-nominee gets the nod, I'm going at a minimum Green if not straight to the Democratic Socialist party. I'm not socialist, but I'll be damned if I'll let those rat bastards in the Democratic leadership continue to betray the working man, and if they won't listen, I'll go to those who will.

Why wait until it is to late? Why not do it now and send the DP a message? If all of us who feel as we do whould do that the "TWO PARTIES" might start listening to us.

You register with a party on voter registration forms?

What a strange system. The only time the authorities here[1] have any real idea what I would vote for is when I actually make the marks on the voting form and post it into the ballot box, assuming that anyone in power is bothered enough to dig out my ballot-slip from amongst all the others.

Sorry no comments on your political choice, but was intruiged enough by the concept revealed by your post.


[1] A little island off of the coast of Europe. A geographically insignificant one in almost all respects save for being the most prominent of the group it resides within...
you can vote for whoever you want regardless of what your party is. The only thing registering Republican means is that you have a vote in who the Republican candidate is. Once it's time to vote in an actual election you're free to vote for whoever you want.

It only takes one pebble to start an avalanche. Good for you.

You register with a party on voter registration forms?

What a strange system. The only time the authorities here[1] have any real idea what I would vote for is when I actually make the marks on the voting form and post it into the ballot box, assuming that anyone in power is bothered enough to dig out my ballot-slip from amongst all the others.

Sorry no comments on your political choice, but was intruiged enough by the concept revealed by your post.


[1] A little island off of the coast of Europe. A geographically insignificant one in almost all respects save for being the most prominent of the group it resides within...

Yes, we must register to vote and you can declare your party or not. If you do not declare a party in Oklahoma, you will be registered as an Independent. There is no Independent party. Unfortunately in the US we have a two party system and it is very difficult to get a third party started nationally. Being registered as an Independent or party other than Democrat or Republican in Oklahoma means you cannot vote in the primary election as only the Dems and Repubs have primary elections. Other states have different rules.

Hey, if they want to dig in the bin and pull out my ballot, good luck. There is absolutely no way they can identify my ballot. A secret ballot in the US is truly a secret ballot.

OK, so are you on Jersey or the Isle of Mann?

It only takes one pebble to start an avalanche. Good for you.

I hope it does start an avalanche and the only ones who get hurt are the professional politicians.

For the most part it has to do w/ primaries, the voting that's done to elect which person you want your party to run for office. It's done that way to supposedly prevent people from the other party from voting a loser in for the elections.

you can vote for whoever you want regardless of what your party is. The only thing registering Republican means is that you have a vote in who the Republican candidate is. Once it's time to vote in an actual election you're free to vote for whoever you want.

Given this, I won't point out the obvious flaw. You both seem to already fully aware of the obvious abuse of the system... ;)

Over here, you (I think, because I never have[1]) become a member of a party by personal subscription. Or influence it through involvement in the a block-vote organisation. I think.


Sorry, that's the limit to my own knowledge. Given that I can't reciprocate, I won't demand the revelation of any further minutae of your setup... :cool:

[1] I did once consider doing so for nearly every party. Would have been expensive, and the line between "why not?" and "nope, not that one! anything but that one!" needed defining

I've been a republican for 2 years (I'm only 15)

I support some of their stances (Iraqi War, Abortion) but I think liberal on a lot of other platforms.

Ross Perot? You admit to that without shame?

I ranted in another thread about that radio host that ignored just how horrible the Republican party and our president has been over the past and then finally broke away over something as insignificant as the immigration issue.

The same goes for you: Your knee-jerk political irresponsibility is bankrupting what was once a great system of government.

I've been a republican for 2 years (I'm only 15)

I support some of their stances (Iraqi War, Abortion) but I think liberal on a lot of other platforms.

When I was your age, I wore an "I like Ike" button. Don't swallow the party line. Think for yourself, decide how you feel, and when you are of voting age vote for the candidate who believes the way you do. Never vote for the person because they are of a particular party.

Don't swallow the party line.

Yes, swallow every opinion that conservative idealogues give you, even if it isn't sensible policy.

Yes, swallow every opinion that conservative idealogues give you, even if it isn't sensible policy.

And every opinion that liberal idealogues give you?

And every opinion that liberal idealogues give you?

The same goes for liberals.

Ross Perot? You admit to that without shame?

Yes! Bush I pissed me off. Clinton was a .... well I don't want to change the direction of this thread. Proud to have voted for the person I thought was the best candidate for the job and would do it again. :fluffle:

Yes! Bush I pissed me off. Clinton was a .... well I don't want to change the direction of this thread. Proud to have voted for the person I thought was the best candidate for the job and would do it again. :fluffle:

I'll say it again, Ross Perot? Right...

..... Your knee-jerk political irresponsibility is bankrupting what was once a great system of government.

No. Absolutely not. Our government was founded as a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Our founding Fathers never intended we have professional politicians. Their vision was is for ordinary people to serve one or two terms in government and then go home. Unfortunately, we have evolved into a government of profession politicians whose only objective is to be reelected, not to serve the people.

It is time to clean house. Why do you think the politicians in Washington are against term limits? The Constitution didn't set any for the President or Congress yet Congress was eager to set term limits for the President after Roosevelt, but are still unwilling to do so for themselves. So much for the Republican Revolution.
:mad:

..... Your knee-jerk political irresponsibility is bankrupting what was once a great system of government.

No. Absolutely not. It is not a knee-jerk reaction but a sore that has been festering for some time. At last, it has come to a head.

Our government was founded as a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Our founding Fathers never intended we have professional politicians. Their vision was is for ordinary people to serve one or two terms in government and then go home. Unfortunately, we have evolved into a government of profession politicians whose only objective is to be reelected, not to serve the people.

It is time to clean house. Why do you think the politicians in Washington are against term limits? The Constitution didn't set any for the President or Congress yet Congress was eager to set term limits for the President after Roosevelt, but are still unwilling to do so for themselves. So much for the Republican Revolution.
:mad:

No. Absolutely not. Our government was founded as a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Our founding Fathers never intended we have professional politicians. Their vision was is for ordinary people to serve one or two terms in government and then go home. Unfortunately, we have evolved into a government of profession politicians whose only objective is to be reelected, not to serve the people.

It is time to clean house. Why do you think the politicians in Washington are against term limits? The Constitution didn't set any for the President or Congress yet Congress was eager to set term limits for the President after Roosevelt, but are still unwilling to do so for themselves. So much for the Republican Revolution.
:mad:

Those professional politicians target their marketing schemes at people like you who get their warm fuzzies from being a part of a political ideology.

Why does it take a liberal policy from the Republican party to finally lose your support, if professional politicians is your worry? Professional politicians have been around since the dawn of politics.

In the end, professional politicians are a result of irresponsible politics.

Think for yourself, decide how you feel, and when you are of voting age vote for the candidate who believes the way you do. Never vote for the person because they are of a particular party.
That's why I'm probably going to register as an independent when I'm old enough.

The same goes for liberals.
:fluffle:

WHOOO!!!!! GO INDEPENDENTS!!!!

As soon as I'm old enough to vote, I'm going independent. Democrats don't seem to do anything other than whine about republicans, and
Republicans don't seem to care too much about the vast majority of America (which hurts de widdle Democwats feewings :( awww!!! )

Too bad I was born in 1992 or I would have registered already.

I'll say it again, Ross Perot? Right...

Are you deaf? Ross Perot. Yes I voted for him as he was the better
candidate. The choices were: Bush I, Clinton, Perot as in H. Ross Perot.
As in this candidate http://www.issues2000.org/Ross_Perot.htm

In the end, professional politicians are a result of irresponsible politics.

See my sig :fluffle:

Welcome back to logical thinking ;)

I'm registered as a Liberal... didn't know there even was a Liberal Party until I registered!

See my sig :fluffle:

That is a good quote, and I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

If I do see that you have turned away from the republicans because they aren't following tradition conservative political hackery, and not because the party is worthless, I will let you know about it.

Ok, I finally did it. I’ve been a registered Republican for over 40 years. While I have not always voted for the Republican candidate (I voted for Ross Perot for President and worked and voted for an Independent candidate for governor) I have voted mostly Republican. No more. I am fed up with the Republican leadership not listening to “We the people.” In fact I am fed up with all the professional politicians both in Washington DC and the state governments not listening to “We the people.”

Today I did it. Today I went to the tag agency (drivers license place) and changed my party on my voters registration form from Republican to INDEPENDENT.

What was the final straw that caused this drastic measure? The Senate vote on the immigration bill. From what I have read in the news (hell no I don’t have the sources) most Americans do not support “a path to citizenship” (amnesty) but the Republican leadership does not hear us. Most of us do not support “pork spending,” but the Republican leadership does not hear us and gives the Air Force money to buy C-17 aircraft they don’t want, money to a shipbuilding company in Mississippi to rebuild because they did not have adequate insurance, and money to tear up a railroad line they just spent $250 million to fix, relocate the railroad, and build a road the people don’t want. (The Casinos in MS want the road)

Well, the only way I can now send a message to the Republican Party is by not contributing to the Republican National Committee and by reducing the number of registered Republican voters. So, I have just reduced the number of registered Republican in Oklahoma by one and next week my wife will make that two.

If you are a registered Republican, or Democrat, and you feel your party is not listening to you, if you feel that those in Washington DC or those in your state or local government are not listening to you why not change your party to INDEPENDENT and send them a message that “We the People” are in charge of our government, not the professional career politicians.

END OF RANT!
Fuck Yeah

cheers.
Agreed.
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/143.gif

Congratulations, Celtlund. No kidding. *bows*
http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/1356.gif

You should check out the ACP (American Centrist Party).

I change my registration based on the impact I think my vote will have in the primary elections . I am an independent voter always have been . I have never followed one party . I have been registered republican to express my displeasure at a local level and have changed back to democrat to express my thanks for a job well done . I use the system to the best of my ability.

I only wish more people did .

maybe then the assholes we elect would actualy feel they are acountable .

I have worked election day since Nixon....and I cant even count the amount of people who show up and ask the commitee man "who should I vote for ?"

Or just walk in and pull the Dem or Republican lever because thats what they think they are ....or what they think they should be...but ask them when they leave ..."who"..they voted for ....blank stare time ...

The system is what it is ....its up to the "voters" to change things...unfortunately more people are voting for the " American Idol " than vote in any other election ..including ..the "Presidential" one .....


Now thats truly one fucked up fact .

You should check out the ACP (American Centrist Party).

Political parties like religions have philosophies or dogmas. If you believe in EVERYTHING they espouse you are in. If you don't, you are out. No room for free thinking. Thanks for the invitation, but no thanks.

The system is what it is ....its up to the "voters" to change things...unfortunately more people are voting for the " American Idol " than vote in any other election ..including ..the "Presidential" one .....

It is so sad especially when a higher percentage of the population in Iraq had purple fingers than Americans had during the last Presidential election. It is also unfortunate that those who bitch the loudest are those who did not vote. :(

It is so sad especially when a higher percentage of the population in Iraq had purple fingers than Americans had during the last Presidential election. It is also unfortunate that those who bitch the loudest are those who did not vote. :(

hey tell me about it...you would think its all roses....I try to get people to vote...dont even advocate a party...just try to get them out...and this is on a very local level.....the fuckers just do not give a shit. but now " American idol....:eek: FUCK YEAH !!!!!!!!!! " ... we have it too good I guess .

Political parties like religions have philosophies or dogmas. If you believe in EVERYTHING they espouse you are in. If you don't, you are out. No room for free thinking. Thanks for the invitation, but no thanks.

Heh, I signed up to be independent from the beginning. Independents are allowed to vote in either the rep or the dem primary (but only one) during the primaries here. And we can change which at every primary :p

And yeah, that bothers me too. Especially since I have such a mix of beliefs that I pretty much have to become my own party... ;)

Anyway, good on you!

[snip]
END OF RANT!
never believed in voting along party lines. I vote for whom I believe will get the job done.

Here's the big question Celtlund--when it comes time in 2008, and let's assume (worst case scenario for me) that the two main choices are Hillary and whichever Republican you hate most and you feel like Oklahoma for whatever reason is a swing state and tight and your vote might make a difference (I admit, I'm setting up the most unlikely scenario ever here, but give me a break--look what I have to work with)--do you stick with your third party vote or do you vote the Republican because you'd feel Hillary would be the worse of two evils?

hey tell me about it...you would think its all roses....I try to get people to vote...dont even advocate a party...just try to get them out...and this is on a very local level.....the fuckers just do not give a shit. but now " American idol....:eek: FUCK YEAH !!!!!!!!!! " ... we have it too good I guess .

We need a new American idol series. American idol Congressional series, American idol Presidential series, American idol Mayor series......:rolleyes:

Heh, I signed up to be independent from the beginning. Independents are allowed to vote in either the rep or the dem primary (but only one) during the primaries here. And we can change which at every primary :p

And yeah, that bothers me too. Especially since I have such a mix of beliefs that I pretty much have to become my own party... ;)

Anyway, good on you!

In Oklahoma Independents are not allowed to vote in primaries.

Here's the big question Celtlund--when it comes time in 2008, and let's assume (worst case scenario for me) that the two main choices are Hillary and whichever Republican you hate most and you feel like Oklahoma for whatever reason is a swing state and tight and your vote might make a difference (I admit, I'm setting up the most unlikely scenario ever here, but give me a break--look what I have to work with)--do you stick with your third party vote or do you vote the Republican because you'd feel Hillary would be the worse of two evils?

If I had a choice between Hillary and McCain I would vote for the third party.

The Republicans lost me over the immigration issue.

I'll still vote Republican as long as we see eye to eye.

Ok, I finally did it. I’ve been a registered Republican for over 40 years. While I have not always voted for the Republican candidate (I voted for Ross Perot for President and worked and voted for an Independent candidate for governor) I have voted mostly Republican. No more. I am fed up with the Republican leadership not listening to “We the people.” In fact I am fed up with all the professional politicians both in Washington DC and the state governments not listening to “We the people.”

Today I did it. Today I went to the tag agency (drivers license place) and changed my party on my voters registration form from Republican to INDEPENDENT.

What was the final straw that caused this drastic measure? The Senate vote on the immigration bill. From what I have read in the news (hell no I don’t have the sources) most Americans do not support “a path to citizenship” (amnesty) but the Republican leadership does not hear us. Most of us do not support “pork spending,” but the Republican leadership does not hear us and gives the Air Force money to buy C-17 aircraft they don’t want, money to a shipbuilding company in Mississippi to rebuild because they did not have adequate insurance, and money to tear up a railroad line they just spent $250 million to fix, relocate the railroad, and build a road the people don’t want. (The Casinos in MS want the road)

Well, the only way I can now send a message to the Republican Party is by not contributing to the Republican National Committee and by reducing the number of registered Republican voters. So, I have just reduced the number of registered Republican in Oklahoma by one and next week my wife will make that two.

If you are a registered Republican, or Democrat, and you feel your party is not listening to you, if you feel that those in Washington DC or those in your state or local government are not listening to you why not change your party to INDEPENDENT and send them a message that “We the People” are in charge of our government, not the professional career politicians.

END OF RANT!
I've seen many of your posts, and due to their content, I disliked you and had little respect for you apart from your service in our country's military. Now, with this...I'm changing my mind a little. You've gained more respect from me, because you really ARE thinking for yourself now.

Me, I'm a Libertarian, and I plan on being proactive(once I have the time to BE proactive. At the moment I just don't.) and change this party into one that is not only palatable to a lot of people, but strong enough to become the THIRD PARTY THAT MATTERS IN AMERICA. Yes, I have grand plans. My only worry is that I have, as yet, absolutely no idea about how to impliment them. But I shall. I shall indeed.

If I had a choice between Hillary and McCain I would vote for the third party.
Fair enough. I can respect that.

Well .... in Texas, we don't register with a Party ... but ....

HOORAY!

Glad to see another Republican has lost faith.

Now we need about 30 million more of you to do the same.

Independant is the way to be, baby!

Welcome to the dark side, Celt. ;)

Kudos for your decision! My father and I are doing the exact same thing because we're so fed up with the immigration controversy. Neither of us will be voting in the next Senate election because there's no one from our state (Tennessee) that supports our position on immigration. I'd go change my registration, but we don't do party registration in my state, heh.

The Republicans lost me over the immigration issue.

I'll still vote Republican as long as we see eye to eye.
Hmmm, most of them are seeing eye-to-belly button these days. While the admin, on the other hand, sees them eye-to-top of scalp, or eye-to-coccyx.
Note i didn't bring up Shadegg's "taint" comment.

I've been tempted to register Republican, but I'm not really much for where the party is going these days.

I am proudly Conservative. :p

Political parties like religions have philosophies or dogmas. If you believe in EVERYTHING they espouse you are in. If you don't, you are out. No room for free thinking. Thanks for the invitation, but no thanks.
Unlike religion, political ideologies are based on logical thinking. In most political parties you can change their policy positions if there are enough people in the party that agree with you.

The Republicans lost me over the immigration issue.

I'll still vote Republican as long as we see eye to eye.
The Republicans haven't lost you at all, in that case.

I am proudly Conservative. :p

Ah! That makes you a prime candidate to leave the GOP, if you ever were a member.

yes im not to happy with the past few republican presidents myself... Im a Religous Right wing Fanatic that is a socio-conservative and hates the Neo-Cons almost as much as those liberals.

My Approval rating of Bush on a Scale of 1-10 is a 2....
My Approval rating of Kerry if he was in office from 1-10 would be a -2...

So i voted to Bush but i wasnt happy cause he isnt strict enough of gays or immigrants or abortion:mad:

Plus the debt will most likely be robbed from the people through inflation. we owe ____ amount of dollars but the value of that is much less 10 years from* now....dam Neo-cons.

Nixon took us off the gold standard and now it seems like the main branch of Conservatism is Neo Cons

Ah! That makes you a prime candidate to leave the GOP, if you ever were a member.

'Fraid I haven't been a member yet, and I doubt I'll become one anytime soon. :D

'Fraid I haven't been a member yet, and I doubt I'll become one anytime soon. :D

'See? I told you so!'
XD

'See? I told you so!'
XD

:eek:

You were right! Creepy...

:eek:

You were right! Creepy...

Naw. I just figured that being in BritColumbia could be a wee bit of a problem for becoming a GOP-member...

SNIP...Me, I'm a Libertarian, and I plan on being proactive(once I have the time to BE proactive. At the moment I just don't.) and change this party into one that is not only palatable to a lot of people, but strong enough to become the THIRD PARTY THAT MATTERS IN AMERICA. Yes, I have grand plans. My only worry is that I have, as yet, absolutely no idea about how to impliment them. But I shall. I shall indeed.

Good for you. We need a good strong third party. We need an alternative to politics as usual.

Kudos for your decision! My father and I are doing the exact same thing because we're so fed up with the immigration controversy. Neither of us will be voting in the next Senate election because there's no one from our state (Tennessee) that supports our position on immigration. I'd go change my registration, but we don't do party registration in my state, heh.

You and your dad can write the Repulican leadership in your state or the RNC and let them know that you are no longer a Republican. Here is the link http://www.gop.com/States/ to find out who is in the Republican leadership of any state.

As soon as I get my new card, I'm going to send my old card to the RNC and let them know I don't need it any more.

Unlike religion, political ideologies are based on logical thinking. In most political parties you can change their policy positions if there are enough people in the party that agree with you.

That is the current problem, those in the leadership of the party in Washington are NOT listening to a majority of the people in the party or the country for that matter. They have become career politicians who would sell their mothers into slavery if they thought they could get re-elected by doing so.

Naw. I just figured that being in BritColumbia could be a wee bit of a problem for becoming a GOP-member...

No, just catch a ferry down to Washington and register. You don't have to show an ID and you can lie when you check the box that says "I am a US citizen." Use the address of a friend who lives in Washington. Hell, I'll bet you could even put down your address in BC and they would send the card right to your door. :eek:

I may be a registered Democrat, but I still think like an Independent. I applaud you for making your statement the way you have.

I may vote generally Democrat, but I vote for or personally endorse whomever I feel is the best person for the job. Sometimes, it's been a Republican. Other times, it's been someone else.

No, just catch a ferry down to Washington and register. You don't have to show an ID and you can lie when you check the box that says "I am a US citizen." Use the address of a friend who lives in Washington. Hell, I'll bet you could even put down your address in BC and they would send the card right to your door. :eek:

You know this...from experience? ;)

Maybe I should give it a try, though...I could influence two countries at once! Ha ha!:D

You know this...from experience? ;)

Maybe I should give it a try, though...I could influence two countries at once! Ha ha!:D

Yes, I had to fill out a voter registration card at the tag agency yesterday to change party affiliation. When I told the lady what I wanted to do, she handed me a pen and said the forms are over there in the top basket. Fill it out and put it in the bottom basket. On the form you check one box stating you are over 18, check another box stating you are a citizen. Fill in your name, address, and party affiliation (optional) read the I have told the truth statement and sign the form. You are never asked for an ID, proof of citizenship, nothing.

Yeah, that's great and all, but you're forgetting one thing.

I vote on issues, not party. I vote for republicans, democrats, and all sorts of other people. Even when I have voted straight one-party, I refused to push the "party line" button, on principal. I've also written in sarcastic anti-everyone votes too.

BUT if you're independant, you don't get to vote in either democratic OR republican primaries. That's why I've stayed a Republican. And in fact, why my parents have stayed Democrat. I just want some say in who ends up on my ballot in that general election.

I voted for a black guy in that first primary where GWB won... and if only other people had agreed with me, maybe we wouldn't even have him.

Independant Conservative for me! :)

I voted for a black guy in that first primary where GWB won... and if only other people had agreed with me, maybe we wouldn't even have him.

Allen Keys, a very articulate and knowledgeable man. I believe he lost the Senate race to Obama.

Allen Keys, a very articulate and knowledgeable man. I believe he lost the Senate race to Obama.

"In a controversial interview with Sirius OutQ, a radio station geared towards gays and lesbians, Keyes stated that homosexuality was "selfish hedonism". When asked if vice president Dick Cheney's gay daughter Mary Cheney was a "selfish hedonist", he replied, "That goes by definition. Of course she is." Later, without being asked anything about his own family, he said, "If my daughter were a lesbian, I'd look at her and say, 'That is a relationship that is based on selfish hedonism.' I would also tell my daughter that it's a sin and she needs to pray to the Lord God to help her deal with that sin."

At this point, Keyes knew his daughter, Maya Marcel-Keyes, was a lesbian. Maya had claimed that she and her parents got along alright, as long as she did not become active in LGBT events or discuss her sexual orientation. Following his campaign for Illinois Senate, Keyes evicted his daughter from his house due to the fact that she participated in a march protesting the inauguration of President George W. Bush."

Right...

"In a controversial interview with Sirius OutQ, a radio station geared towards gays and lesbians, Keyes stated that homosexuality was "selfish hedonism". When asked if vice president Dick Cheney's gay daughter Mary Cheney was a "selfish hedonist", he replied, "That goes by definition. Of course she is." Later, without being asked anything about his own family, he said, "If my daughter were a lesbian, I'd look at her and say, 'That is a relationship that is based on selfish hedonism.' I would also tell my daughter that it's a sin and she needs to pray to the Lord God to help her deal with that sin."

At this point, Keyes knew his daughter, Maya Marcel-Keyes, was a lesbian. Maya had claimed that she and her parents got along alright, as long as she did not become active in LGBT events or discuss her sexual orientation. Following his campaign for Illinois Senate, Keyes evicted his daughter from his house due to the fact that she participated in a march protesting the inauguration of President George W. Bush."

Right...
Well...he is consistent, that is for sure. Not that that is in his favour in this situation...

Well...he is consistent, that is for sure. Not that that is in his favour in this situation...

Yeah, how Christian of him to kick his daughter out and call her a selfish hedonist... Fortunately he was soundly beaten by Barack Obama, who got 70% of the vote - a man with much, much higher moral fibre than Keyes ever could dream of attaining, despite being Christian, too.

That is the current problem, those in the leadership of the party in Washington are NOT listening to a majority of the people in the party or the country for that matter. They have become career politicians who would sell their mothers into slavery if they thought they could get re-elected by doing so.
Is registration as a Republican the same as being a member of the party?

Yes, It is like I told my wife concerning the last state governors election, "If everyone who felt the Independent candidate could not win voted for him, he would be governor. She even worked to help get him elected but when she went to vote thought, "he can't win." Now she is stuck with a governor she truly dislikes. :rolleyes:

So... instead of voting for someone that she likes even if he won't win... she is going to vote for one who will win but doesn't like? I think that is the actual way in which you waste your vote...

What does anyone gain by voting for someone who will win?

I found myself in an interesting position the other day, when a coworker mentioned that he was leaving the GOP.

Of course my first reaction was to be pleased, since I don't think anybody should be supporting the GOP at this point. And his displeasure with the Chimperor was certainly something I could relate to.

And yet, his reason for finally leaving the GOP kind of put me in a bad spot, because his reason was that the GOP isn't putting enough effort into an anti-gay amendment to the US Constitution.

That's the country I live in, folks. A country where the GOP is losing support for NOT BEING BIGOTTED ENOUGH. A country where countless voters are angry at the GOP for not taking enough rights away from women. A country where Republicans lose face for failing to be racist enough. A country where people would prefer to pass down to their children a bankrupt, poluted, third-world shell of a country, instead of maybe allowing a couple of gay citizens to exercise their civil rights.

And these are the same people who bitch that flag burning is disrespectful to our country. One is forced to wonder if any of them have the slightest understanding of what that flag is meant to represent.

It is so sad especially when a higher percentage of the population in Iraq had purple fingers than Americans had during the last Presidential election. It is also unfortunate that those who bitch the loudest are those who did not vote. :(

Ah, but the people in Iraq set goals based on education, political involvement, and culture. It was us putting up Saddam that fucked everything up for them :(

And now we have that problem.

It is so sad especially when a higher percentage of the population in Iraq had purple fingers than Americans had during the last Presidential election. It is also unfortunate that those who bitch the loudest are those who did not vote. :(
Why should people bother to vote, when 2000 taught them that their votes really don't matter? Why should they care about voting, when the rich and corrupt are going to grab hold of power no matter what?

06 and 08 will look like the antithesis of the mid 90's! WOOHOO

It takes bravery to let go of the republican party- the Congress and Bush has let down many people I know in South Carolina-USA- my state has gotten a lot more purple! All Republicans let go...the party doesn't listen to you!

Well, I am no longer made entirely out of beanie weanies.:p

Why should people bother to vote, when 2000 taught them that their votes really don't matter? Why should they care about voting, when the rich and corrupt are going to grab hold of power no matter what?


thats total bullshit ...2000 tuaght EVERYONE the value of the vote !
if the lazy ass mooks would have gotten up of their collective ass's the election wouldnt have been so close in fact it would have been a clear victiry for either side ..voter turnout SUCKED ...young people stayed home and got loaded and chased skirts instead of casting a ballot..

How many people who come on and post crap about whatever party actually voted ! Wouldnt you like to know that ?

I have been invloved in local politics since I was 18 years old and cast my first ballot...I have NEVER once since I had the right to vote MISSED one election day..primary or otherwise. I am an independent and support the side that I feel best represents me on both the local and national level...I change my registration to whatever party I feel At the time I can make the most impact on in primary election or when I want to vote against a particular piece of shit that should be thrown out of office...Politions are all about getting their " base " to vote ...their base consist of REGISTERED voters..you can use the fact of registering to gain concessions on a local level and if you are organized you can force things on a national level..if you can prove to the nitwits that you can bring them a large block of new registered voters they WILL KISS YOUR ASS and listen to what you have to say...they may even be persuaded to back an issue you feel importaantly about.

You cant play unless you get into the game ..sitting around pulling your pud will not change anything but you own damm sperm count .

I and like minded people have gotten funding for local mental health non profit oranizations ..and we did it from scratch and by playing our block of votes against the local politicions to get them on board...and once they got on bord they stay there if they want us voting for them or those that they support.

So again I call TOTAL UNMITAGATED BULLSHIT on your statement that votes are worth nothing .

Votes are EVERYTHING to someone trying to be elected in this Democratic republic we call the United States .

Yeh all those rich and powerfull incumants in Pennsylvania that got thrown out on their ass by voters like me and others who were part of the " THROW THE BUMS OUT CAMPAIGN " Might beeg to differ with you .

I personally think the Republicans are too liberal. Welp that's all I gotta say. Adios.

Is registration as a Republican the same as being a member of the party?

Just about. If you register as a Republican you are considered a party member.

thats total bullshit ...2000 tuaght EVERYONE the value of the vote !
if the lazy ass mooks would have gotten up of their collective ass's the election wouldnt have been so close in fact it would have been a clear victiry for either side ..voter turnout SUCKED ...young people stayed home and got loaded and chased skirts instead of casting a ballot..

How many people who come on and post crap about whatever party actually voted ! Wouldnt you like to know that ?

I have been invloved in local politics since I was 18 years old and cast my first ballot...I have NEVER once since I had the right to vote MISSED one election day..primary or otherwise. I am an independent and support the side that I feel best represents me on both the local and national level...I change my registration to whatever party I feel At the time I can make the most impact on in primary election or when I want to vote against a particular piece of shit that should be thrown out of office...Politions are all about getting their " base " to vote ...their base consist of REGISTERED voters..you can use the fact of registering to gain concessions on a local level and if you are organized you can force things on a national level..if you can prove to the nitwits that you can bring them a large block of new registered voters they WILL KISS YOUR ASS and listen to what you have to say...they may even be persuaded to back an issue you feel importaantly about.

You cant play unless you get into the game ..sitting around pulling your pud will not change anything but you own damm sperm count .

I and like minded people have gotten funding for local mental health non profit oranizations ..and we did it from scratch and by playing our block of votes against the local politicions to get them on board...and once they got on bord they stay there if they want us voting for them or those that they support.

So again I call TOTAL UNMITAGETED BULLSHIT on your statement that votes are worth nothing .

Votes are EVERYTHING to someone trying to be elected in this Democratic republic we call the United States .
Deep breaths. Deep, soothing breaths.

Maybe I was unclear, but my point was more about individual motivation than it was about an actual argument against voting. Whether or not it is actually the case, the events of the 2000 presidential election disheartened a TON of people. The constant corruption and abuses in the electoral system over recent years haven't helped.

There has pretty much always been a problem with voter apathy, since a lot of people have felt like their particular vote won't make a difference. The problem now is that, in addition to that feeling, now people lack confidence that their vote will even be COUNTED.

I personally think the Republicans are too liberal. Welp that's all I gotta say. Adios.LOL!

So... instead of voting for someone that she likes even if he won't win... she is going to vote for one who will win but doesn't like? I think that is the actual way in which you waste your vote...

What does anyone gain by voting for someone who will win?

She was more afraid the Republican candidate would win. So, she decied the lesser of the evils was to vote for the Democrat. Woman's logic. :confused:

I found myself in an interesting position the other day, when a coworker mentioned that he was leaving the GOP.

Of course my first reaction was to be pleased, since I don't think anybody should be supporting the GOP at this point. And his displeasure with the Chimperor was certainly something I could relate to.

And yet, his reason for finally leaving the GOP kind of put me in a bad spot, because his reason was that the GOP isn't putting enough effort into an anti-gay amendment to the US Constitution.

That's the country I live in, folks. A country where the GOP is losing support for NOT BEING BIGOTTED ENOUGH. A country where countless voters are angry at the GOP for not taking enough rights away from women. A country where Republicans lose face for failing to be racist enough. A country where people would prefer to pass down to their children a bankrupt, poluted, third-world shell of a country, instead of maybe allowing a couple of gay citizens to exercise their civil rights.

And these are the same people who bitch that flag burning is disrespectful to our country. One is forced to wonder if any of them have the slightest understanding of what that flag is meant to represent.

Exactly why I ranted against that radio host and Celtlund.

Everyone wants to congratulate him for leaving the GOP, but the GOP is not the problem, they, like the Democrats, simply exploit the problem. The true problem is the large portion of the population who tie undying devotion to a particular ideological side. They can't seem to take any reasonable view of any issue, instead going with conservative or liberal pundit talking points.

This immigration issue, for all of its irrelevance to a great majority of people, has been the spark that has set many against the GOP and it is simply fucking stupid. The GOP takes a reasonable, yet still conservative, stance on this issue, and conservatives go apeshit.

Celtlund's got a long way to go before I truly believe that he isn't just throwing a political temper tantrum.

Why should people bother to vote, when 2000 taught them that their votes really don't matter? Why should they care about voting, when the rich and corrupt are going to grab hold of power no matter what?

Read my sig again. And you are wrong about 2000. Recounts by the media showed that Bush won Florida with a slim margin. Prehaps if more people had bothered to vote, Gore would have won by a significant margin. So, please don't say a vote doesn't matter.

Celtlund's got a long way to go before I truly believe that he isn't just throwing a political temper tantrum.

I'm to old to throw a temper tantrum. :D