Voting is not a right

re: Voting is not a right

Brainpolice — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:13:46 GMT

Even if you choose to vote, you are still compelled by force into something you don't want to do. This is true (1) if you're on the losing side (2) even if you're on the winning side, voting does not gaurantee representation (3) because it is impossible for an individual politician or body of politicians to accurately ascertain, predict or represent the diverse desires of an entire society; basically, apply the calculation problem to political representation.

re: Voting is not a right

Moneychanger — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 06:59:32 GMT

Actually, voting is a legal right to anyone over the age of 18 years in the US. The immorality comes when, if I choose not to vote, I still am compelled by force into something I don't want to do.

re: Voting is not a right

Ron — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:02:52 GMT

In reference to my comments about your letter to Ron Paul supporters, I fully realize that I'm being a bit hypocritical by supporting him in the coming elections, as I agree with your ethical argument as stated above.

re: Voting is not a right

MCLA — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:19:36 GMT

"The ultimate purpose of the democratic process is to redistribute the moral responsibility of the group with the most guns to the entire electorate."

Wow, very well said! I think the only utility of democracy for the ruling elite is that it makes the masses morally responsible for decisions that they had no real hand in taking. It imposes a collective self-reproach on everyone that keeps them from starting revolutions.

Cheers!

re: Voting is not a right

HeroicLife — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:50:08 GMT

I agree with the self-defense argument. Ultimately, that may be the only justification for voting.

re: Voting is not a right

Brainpolice — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:28:00 GMT

Wow. How would you respond to or address the Spoonerian voting as self-defense arguement? Because it almost seems like you're making an ethical arguement against voting here, equating it to force or at least the implict support of force.