Sorry guys, I'm out ...

... of politics, that is.

I'm so disgusted with my country's politics that I just can't. We are going to elect a president this autumn and the two best people we can put up there for consideration are Trump and Biden? Really? Sorry, but I am out.

This doesn't make me any less political as a person. I may continue to write about my passionate views on our individual rights as free persons, but I see this election as a chose between the lessor of two evils.

I grew up very engaged in electoral politics. I participated in mock government programs and even argued my positions in the well of the Massachusetts Senate Chamber. I'm NOT pulling back here out of apathy or indifference, but out of disgust.

I turned 18 in 2013 so my first presidential choice was 2016:
- 2016: Trump v Clinton
- 2020: Trump v Biden
- 2024: Trump v Biden, the sequel

I have friends here from every corner of the political map and I love you all, but I just can't. So, many of you may have noticed that I've already stopped hearting or replying to your political posts. Please don't take this as any kind of repudiation (or support) of one side or the other. I'm just out. 😐

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dumasme · 51-55, M

Well, if we start on the premise that all those in politics are liars, we eliminate that piece of the equation, right? Trump, Clinton, Biden, Harris... none of them are better than the other.

So, where to go from there? Party? Republican v Democrat... now we have competing ideologies so, which is it economics v social issues? big gov v big companies? social programs? I don't think so. this also seems too narrow. The POTUS, senate & reps are constitutionally bound to their lanes.

So, i like to try and figure out WHO they'll nominate to cabinet and other govt roles. Here, it becomes a bit more visible. when a nominee bows to the party line and they are going to plop in the latest name from the Council On Foreign Relations (CFR), I have to choose the douchebag over the 'nicer' person because he is a little more independent minded. I think this is the only difference between candidates.

For background, see 'Shadowring' and 'State of Mind: The Psychology of Control' - Free Mind Films'

sarabee1995 · 31-35, F

@dumasme

"Well, if we start on the premise that all those in politics are liars..."

Sorry, stop right there. If I were ever to adopt that premise (and I don't), then I'd be out ... done ... gone. I don't need politics to live. I don't need my current day-job to feed myself or pay my mortgage. If I were ever to concede your point, then Sara and her opinions on life and politics would go very very dark.

dumasme · 51-55, M

@sarabee1995 I'm sorry. Politicians seem to feel that they need to tell people what they want to hear both to collect funds and to gain votes. I think its a hazard of the job. Unless, they see to represent a very narrow constituency, say no higher than county level, I believe there is too much diversity to actually be true to your word and principles to win an office. Hence, I'm will never run for office. These are only my opinions based on my experience... not claiming fact.

sarabee1995 · 31-35, F

@dumasme Understood. As for me, I will continue seeking demise of the Democrat-Republican Duopoly until one side or the other stops asking me to vote for the least bad candidate.

dumasme · 51-55, M

@sarabee1995 I used to be 100% against the 2-party system but, I've softened on this a little over the years. Imagine there are 5 candidates and the winner only needs to win 21% of a vote... I think our system of representatives and the electoral college is not perfect but, it's the best on the planet.

sarabee1995 · 31-35, F

@dumasme Well that problem is easily solved by run-off elections that are between the top two vote getters.

But given the two-party duopoly, I am also a fan of keeping the Electoral College and the Two-Senator rule as checks against out-of-control tyranny of the majority.

dumasme · 51-55, M

@sarabee1995 I do wish we could roll back the 17th amendment and have state legislatures appoint senators. I think they could have solved the corruption and deadlock issues without making them a popular vote... I think that would clean up a LOT of the crap we see in ads today. Too many citizens don't understand who does what and what the limits, checks and balances are on the different positions are. It allows for insincere arguments, promises and attacks at the wrong levels of government.

sarabee1995 · 31-35, F

@dumasme Oh how anti-democratic of you!!! 🤣🤣🤣

I actually agree 100%. The People's voice is expressed through the House as was always intended. The States' voices were supposed to be expressed through the Senate and the Electoral College. No one today understands that.

dumasme · 51-55, M

@sarabee1995 yes, anti-democratic... However, the USA is NOT a democracy, right? We are a democratic REPUBLIC. The people have a say in WHO represents us and other than specific issues on ballots, that is it. Our representatives are charged with carrying out our will in government. Unfortunately, and i think our forefathers had it right, the common citizen doesn't know (or care) enough to be involved with the day-to-day operations of government.

sarabee1995 · 31-35, F

@dumasme We are not far apart on this. 👍