Posted on Aug 4, 2016
MSG Military Police
8.68K
32
22
3
3
0
Whether a word or a phrase once they catch on, they manage to stick. Which one makes you want to rip your ears off?
Avatar feed
Responses: 11
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
5
5
0
"A vote for X is a vote for Y."
(5)
Comment
(0)
MSG Military Police
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS It was a similar statement that led into the phrase "binary choice" that prompted my question. Kill me now.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
>1 y
MSG (Join to see) - I've always despised the "binary choice" thing, simply because I can always ACTIVELY abstain, or vote for someone else.

We don't use a direct popular vote set-up, either nationally, or at the state level, so my vote individually has little impact on the two major party candidates. People in "safe states" can freely vote third party without risking swaying the tide, while those of us in "purple" states should vote for candidates we want regardless and not be guilted into voting for the lesser of evils.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Sgt Chris Lima
Sgt Chris Lima
>1 y
I agree with this. I hate the idea that a third party candidate can't be elected... but only because people keep saying that. Unfortunately I also happen to think it's true, which makes it even worse.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
>1 y
Sgt Chris Lima - It's not even a case of "can't get elected."

Get enough votes and it changes the way the other parties react. "If" a third party were to get 20% of the vote, you can bet that the two major parties would adjust their platforms to try and get those voters back. They would shift from extremes to more moderate positions.

Using the political surveys as an example. I agree with R about 55% of the time and D about 45% of the time. I'm not going to vote for someone I disagree with 45-55% of the time (R-D resp). That just doesn't make sense.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Kevin B.
3
3
0
"Lesser of two evils"....although I'll admit it's true.
(3)
Comment
(0)
MSG Military Police
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
LTC Kevin B. In line with that is the usual cliched retort that voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CPT Kurk Harris
3
3
0
Edited >1 y ago
I am so tired of people telling me that if I vote for third party candidate A or B that I am in effect giving my vote to Establishment Candidate A or B. I call BS...My vote for whatever candidate is a vote for that candidate and none other.
(3)
Comment
(0)
MSG Military Police
MSG (Join to see)
>1 y
CPT Kurk Harris I was wondering what EC meant. Thank you.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close