OP-ED- I don't expect perfection from a human run, political system -- or the humans in it. I don't expect it to be pure from all outside influences. It never has been, it never will be.
"Lesser of two evils" is a great phrase that has a lot of meaning that can often be applied to many situations. But it can also be meaningless rhetoric when used to justify apathy and lazy thinking.
THIS is our country. AMERICA.
What makes it unique in a vast history of failed empires is it was born out of a desire (by a few imperfect founders) to allow WE THE PEOPLE to govern ourselves. Guess what? In the beginning there WERE no parties back then. They truly WERE one and the same -- and it wasn't concidered a bad thing.
But in short order, differences in principle and the purpose of government created natural separation. Even then, there were those who wanted to stay with England. And do you know what? Most citizens of this country (long before telephones, mail systems, or the Internet) were oblivious to the issues and if asked would have probably preferred the status quo, "Whatsoever!" And I'm sure many articles and speeches were given in the public squares painting separatists as corporate shills -- wanting to profit from war and keep taxes that rightfully belonged to England.
The same was probably said about Republican President Abraham Lincoln. The South (and some in the North) wrote terribly unkind things about Lincoln. Ultimately, he was assassined by those who hated his politics. THAT is how 'evil' they thought HE was. In the distance of history we can see a better picture, yet some still vilify him, today.
What I'm saying, is... since the beginning of this country, there was not a time where citizens could whine about having to vote for 'the lesser of two evil's'. There was never a time when Jesus Christ was running for President
...mind you, if Jesus Christ DID run for President - millions would whine about the "Separation between Church and State".
I don't vote for the 'lesser of two evils'. I vote for a Presidential candidate that, while human, imperfect, doesn't know my name, etc... will have skills, experience and a vision that can lead America to be stronger and better than when he took the job. However, it's up to ME to do my homework and have a well-rounded education and experience to know what it might take to accomplish that goal -- and participate in the system (locally and nationally) to find a candidate that may best do the job.
I believe it's my job as a citizen to 'render unto Caesar that which is Caesar' ...which, in this unique place in history - includes my voice and my vote.
Brave men and women have spilt their blood to protect and preserve this great nation, and my freedoms - including my right to vote. How can I do any less than honor their sacrifice. Calling it anything other than a duty and honor, is nothing short of an insult.
"Who are you voting fo", you ask? You haven't been reading TheDiggerer, if you have to ask.
