Anarchists' Group Debates Voting in November

Mitth`raw`nuruodo · Post by **Mitth`raw`nuruodo** » 2004-08-23 09:01pm

From AOL News, so I don't have a link.

ATHENS, Ohio (Aug. 16) - A group of anarchists is taking an unusual step to make its political voice heard - going to the polls.

Anarchists generally pride themselves on their rejection of government and its authority. But a faction of them fed up with the war in Iraq say they plan to cast anti-Bush votes this fall.

The voting debate was just one of the topics explored at the three-day North American Anarchist Convergence, which brought about 175 participants to Ohio University.

Some attendees rejected the voting proposal.

"Ultimately, those who are voting are either bad anarchists or not anarchists at all," said Lawrence, a "Californian in his mid-40s" who declined to give his last name. "No one can represent my interests. We reject political professionals."

Others said they are embracing their right to engage in the political process, and plan to vote for John Kerry, Ralph Nader or anyone who can underscore their opposition to the Bush administration.

Susan Heitker, 32, of Athens, believes that the U.S. government is neither legitimate nor democratic, but she still plans to vote..

"To me, at least, it's important to vote," she said. "There was a time when I was not going to vote, but I really dislike Bush."

Howard Ehrlich, of Baltimore, also embraces his right to "engage the political system."

"I will certainly vote against George Bush because he is leading the nation to further violence and eroding civil liberties," said Ehrlich, who is editor of Social Anarchism, a 3,000-circulation magazine.

08/16/04 07:46 EDT

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Jadeite · Post by **Jadeite** » 2004-08-23 09:25pm

I find this deliciously ironic.

Alyeska · Post by **Alyeska** » 2004-08-23 09:28pm

The fact that Anarchists will never vote means they will never get power.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2004-08-23 09:55pm

Jadeite wrote:I find this deliciously ironic.

As do I.

Is there an anarchist party, because that's even funnier?

18-Till-I-Die · Post by **18-Till-I-Die** » 2004-08-23 10:31pm

Well damn. Bush has actually united the Anarchists against him. He has alienated people who usually want to be alienated. Wow.

Talon Karrde · Post by **Talon Karrde** » 2004-08-23 11:00pm

Well obviously they won't be voting for Kerry either, so there vote is worthless either way. They'll be voting for some libertarian most likely.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2004-08-23 11:02pm

Talon Karrde wrote:Well obviously they won't be voting for Kerry either, so there vote is worthless either way. They'll be voting for some libertarian most likely.

Others said they are embracing their right to engage in the political process, and plan to vote for John Kerry, Ralph Nader or anyone who can underscore their opposition to the Bush administration.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-08-23 11:03pm

Voting independent is not a "waste" of a vote, thank you very much. It's that kind of attitude that perpetuates the stupidity of the two major parties, because they know they can count on it.

Talon Karrde · Post by **Talon Karrde** » 2004-08-23 11:05pm

Rogue 9 wrote:Voting independent is not a "waste" of a vote, thank you very much. It's that kind of attitude that perpetuates the stupidity of the two major parties, because they know they can count on it.

On the contrary. I would personally identify myself as a member of Constitution Party, but when it is obvious that voting for that candidate will not further any of my causes, I must cast my vote for the one that CAN win. It's common sense.

Alyeska · Post by **Alyeska** » 2004-08-23 11:08pm

Talon Karrde wrote:
Rogue 9 wrote:Voting independent is not a "waste" of a vote, thank you very much. It's that kind of attitude that perpetuates the stupidity of the two major parties, because they know they can count on it.
On the contrary. I would personally identify myself as a member of Constitution Party, but when it is obvious that voting for that candidate will not further any of my causes, I must cast my vote for the one that CAN win. It's common sense.

And its attitudes like yours that ensures we will always have crap canadites rather then truly good ones.

I get tired of the assumption that people who voted for Nader would have voted for Gore had Nader not run. Some of us have MORALS and we don't compromise them.

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-08-23 11:16pm

Talon Karrde wrote:
Rogue 9 wrote:Voting independent is not a "waste" of a vote, thank you very much. It's that kind of attitude that perpetuates the stupidity of the two major parties, because they know they can count on it.
On the contrary. I would personally identify myself as a member of Constitution Party, but when it is obvious that voting for that candidate will not further any of my causes, I must cast my vote for the one that CAN win. It's common sense.

The... Constitution... Party...

MURCH! KILL!

Wait, he's Catholic. Can't be one of them. Cancel that.

neoolong · Post by **neoolong** » 2004-08-23 11:19pm

Gandalf wrote:
Jadeite wrote:I find this deliciously ironic.
As do I.

Is there an anarchist party, because that's even funnier?

It'd be even more ironic if Kerry started to campaign for the Anarchist vote.

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2004-08-23 11:20pm

18-Till-I-Die wrote:Well damn. Bush has actually united the Anarchists against him. He has alienated people who usually want to be alienated. Wow.

Wow is right. Is there anyone this guy can't piss off?

Rogue 9 · Post by **Rogue 9** » 2004-08-23 11:21pm

neoolong wrote:
Gandalf wrote:
Jadeite wrote:I find this deliciously ironic.
As do I.

Is there an anarchist party, because that's even funnier?
It'd be even more ironic if Kerry started to campaign for the Anarchist vote.

They don't have the numbers to be worth it. Didn't you notice the number of people at their national meeting?

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2004-08-24 01:36am

Talon Karrde wrote:
Rogue 9 wrote:Voting independent is not a "waste" of a vote, thank you very much. It's that kind of attitude that perpetuates the stupidity of the two major parties, because they know they can count on it.
On the contrary. I would personally identify myself as a member of Constitution Party, but when it is obvious that voting for that candidate will not further any of my causes, I must cast my vote for the one that CAN win. It's common sense.

Even though the COnstitution party is a bit of a Misnomer.

Me, I prefer the party that ACTUALLY cares about the constitution. The LP

Unfortunatly fr me, neither of the two major parties even comes close to my ideology.

PrinceofLowLight · Post by **PrinceofLowLight** » 2004-08-24 02:05am

3rd party candidate have little to no hope of being elected, but that doesn't mean your vote goes nowhere. Look at how much the Dems try to appeal to Greens now that they see how many of their potential supporters vored for Nader. When a 3rd party gets an unusual amount of votes, you make the Big 2 wonder what's the appeal and look at what stances are making those parties attractive.