I voted for Nader/Gonzalez, anybody who was a Green Party candidate, voted “No” on all judges, voted yes to a state constitutional convention, voted for a state recall option for Illinois governors, and left any Democratic candidates running unopposed blank.
Now, you must know that this machine was not easy for me. It wasn’t very user friendly so I suspect some people over 55 will need help.
It took me awhile to figure out how to actually cast my ballot. I could select and de-select candidates and I could review who I had voted for, but the option for casting was hidden.
Apparently, after review, you just keep clicking “Next” until the “Cast My Ballot” option appears. I clicked it and was good.
I walked to the election judge and the judge handed me a receipt for my vote after I handed him the form. So, despite what George Carlin had to say, I did have something to show for it afterwards.
I got a receipt that didn't show who I voted for but that instead read "BALLOT RECEIPT NOVEMBER 4, 2008 GENERAL ELECTION THANK YOU FOR VOTING!" below a Chicago Board of Election Commission symbol.
The feeling of elation was mixed with delusion and wonder. How did I actually get to do what I wanted to do without anyone checking to see who I was and how did I actually get to vote for the choices in this election that I wanted to?
In Indiana, the people find “choice” to be the choice between Democrat and Republican.
In Illinois, the people find “choice” to be between more than just Democrat and Republican.
So, here’s the touchy feely part. This is the assertive quasi-arrogant stuck-up pitch to you the American citizen to consider the problem that motivated me to register a vote for Nader/Gonzalez and Greens even if I didn’t think I had the ID or proof of residency to do it. I want you to consider the problem and act on your convictions.
It’s like this---The power has shifted over the past eight years significantly. So-called rights, so-called liberties, and the economic well-being of hundreds of millions of Americans have been jeopardized by thousands of corporate and special interests.
How much has the number of lobbyists in Washington skyrocketed? In 1976, there were 3,470. Now, there are 35,000, which is an increase of 741%.
Who have the politicians you voted for been listening to? Not you.
The two most prominent parties in America have been corporatized and hijacked.
Democrats and Republicans run candidates for president who argue over “lapel pin patriotism” and are unwilling to address the daily realities Americans face and provide meaningful solutions to the problems these realities create.
What did Thomas Jefferson say (and this is quoted in Naomi Wolf’s Give Me Liberty)?
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
