Elections

[gs11rmb]

TheOtherMe - GQP?

[tallguy]

Aug 5, 2022 10:53:35 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

TheOtherMe - GQP?

Grand QAnon Party

[minnesotapaintlady]

I have a question about primaries.  I'll admit I don't hit them much, but when I do I tend to just vote for who I WANT.

This time I'm wondering if I should use a different strategy.  One of the Republican candidates for Mayor is god awful (and also doing well in the polls).  I'm wondering if I'm better off saving my Dem vote for the regular election and choosing an alternate Republican candidate in the primary?  Is that a thing? 

[gs11rmb]

Aug 5, 2022 11:00:49 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I have a question about primaries.  I'll admit I don't hit them much, but when I do I tend to just vote for who I WANT.

This time I'm wondering if I should use a different strategy.  One of the Republican candidates for Mayor is god awful (and also doing well in the polls).  I'm wondering if I'm better off saving my Dem vote for the regular election and choosing an alternate Republican candidate in the primary?  Is that a thing? 

Yes, it's a thing.  I seriously considered doing that during our primaries back in May.  

[teen persuasion]

Aug 5, 2022 11:02:27 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

Aug 5, 2022 11:00:49 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I have a question about primaries.  I'll admit I don't hit them much, but when I do I tend to just vote for who I WANT.

This time I'm wondering if I should use a different strategy.  One of the Republican candidates for Mayor is god awful (and also doing well in the polls).  I'm wondering if I'm better off saving my Dem vote for the regular election and choosing an alternate Republican candidate in the primary?  Is that a thing? 

Yes, it's a thing.  I seriously considered doing that during our primaries back in May.  

So what is the thought process?  Vote for an awful candidate from the other party, hoping everyone finds them distasteful enough to vote for your preferred party instead?  Or, vote for a less awful candidate from the other party, to limit damage if/when they are elected?  Or,

It's all interesting to me, but moot - we have closed primaries.  Can only vote in the primary of the party you are affiliated with way far in advance.  Or can't vote at all, if unaffiliated.

[tallguy]

I have always considered myself a moderate independent, and used to split my vote regularly.  While I may still vote for an occasional Republican in local elections, I cannot foresee myself EVER voting for a Republican in a national election again.  The stakes are too high, and they have shown themselves to be absolutely incapable of governing or even thinking we should be a free society.  With the exception of a few persons here and there, you will find almost no courage, honor, or integrity left in that party, whether you still call it the GOP or the now more-accurate GQP.  It is almost beyond hope, and deserves to die.  The sooner the better.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Aug 5, 2022 11:10:53 GMT -5 teen persuasion said:

Aug 5, 2022 11:02:27 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

Yes, it's a thing.  I seriously considered doing that during our primaries back in May.  

So what is the thought process?  Vote for an awful candidate from the other party, hoping everyone finds them distasteful enough to vote for your preferred party instead?  Or, vote for a less awful candidate from the other party, to limit damage if/when they are elected?  Or,

It's all interesting to me, but moot - we have closed primaries.  Can only vote in the primary of the party you are affiliated with way far in advance.  Or can't vote at all, if unaffiliated.

Mine is to vote for one of the other party that I more align with in hopes the horrid one doesn't make it though.  I don't have strong preferences from the other party(ies), but I really don't want this guy to win the primary.  Although I think he will anyhow.

[bean29]

Aug 5, 2022 10:25:45 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

The League of Women Voters has an election site called:  www.vote411.org/

On the home page is a link called "Find What's on Your Ballot".  You can put in your home address and it will pull up all the candidates and and issues that you will be voting on.  I think they will also provide recommendations on who the LWV supports in each race.  From reading your posts, I get the feeling that you are on the left of the political spectrum, which fits with the LWV agenda.  This could be an easy shortcut to learn about the down ballot races.

I usually know who I support in Federal and State elections, it is the local ones that are harder to make choices in.  I try to be a responsible citizen and research background and positions and choose who I think is the best candidate.

I pretty much agree with TheOtherMe on voting Democrat.  I have voted to protect Abortion Rights for many years now.  I was saying for the last 8-10 years that Birth Control was also at risk.  Many told me I was being ridiculous, that was not an issue and would never happen.  The Republicans are still trying to say that is not an issue,  but Clarence Thomas said the Quiet Part Out loud already, and there are many that are getting vocal about eliminating that right.

[azucena]

Aug 5, 2022 10:59:05 GMT -5 tallguy said:

Aug 5, 2022 10:53:35 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

TheOtherMe - GQP?

Grand QAnon Party

so glad someone else finally asked 

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 11:00:49 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I have a question about primaries.  I'll admit I don't hit them much, but when I do I tend to just vote for who I WANT.

This time I'm wondering if I should use a different strategy.  One of the Republican candidates for Mayor is god awful (and also doing well in the polls).  I'm wondering if I'm better off saving my Dem vote for the regular election and choosing an alternate Republican candidate in the primary?  Is that a thing? 

This requires a nuanced answer because we live in various states and elections are governed by state law. For example here in Washington state we have a "top two" system for all primary elections. There is only one group of candidates for each office. They are able to state on the ballot "prefers ... party". It seems it is open what they can say. Two I particularly noticed this year were "prefers JFK Republican party" and "prefers Trump Republican party". The two individuals who get the most votes will have their names on the general election ballot in November, stated party preference doesn't matter. I know, at least in the past, some states required you pre-register as a member of a particular party and that party's ballot was what you were handed when you walked in. Others you were able to request whichever ballot you wanted to vote on the spot. Yet another option was both party's races appeared on your ballot and you could decide race by race which one party's race you wanted to vote in.

There is zero connection between a primary vote and a general election vote. I will admit I laughed at the idea of "saving my Dem vote". No, you can vote for the same person in both elections. Back in the olden days when I lived in Idaho, I was a registered Republican because there was never more than one Democrat running in any primary, if even one. There were actually a couple of times long ago that Idaho had a Democratic governor and one election there was talk of helping nominate a total jerkwad Republican that was running. But usually it was last objectionable.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Aug 5, 2022 12:20:57 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

There is zero connection between a primary vote and a general election vote. I will admit I laughed at the idea of "saving my Dem vote". No, you can vote for the same person in both elections.

I get that, but in my state you can only vote for one party in the primary.  If both dems running for an office are acceptable to me (and the incumbent is a lock anyhow), then why not vote against the repulsive one in the other party?

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 12:44:37 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 5, 2022 12:20:57 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

There is zero connection between a primary vote and a general election vote. I will admit I laughed at the idea of "saving my Dem vote". No, you can vote for the same person in both elections.

I get that, but in my state you can only vote for one party in the primary.  If both dems running for an office are acceptable to me (and the incumbent is a lock anyhow), then why not vote against the repulsive one in the other party?

There is a morality answer to that question. The primary is designed to provide an opportunity for members of a political party to select the person they wish to have represent their political party in the general election. Individuals who are not members of that party should not have a say in that decision. It is morally wrong to "crash a party". However, we are talking politics.

I recall in 2008 the Washington state government refused to run a "closed" presidential primary (don't remember specifics) and the national Democratic party responded by not use the results to allocate seats at the National Convention. That was determined through the caucus process.

[chiver78]

Aug 5, 2022 11:20:52 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 5, 2022 11:10:53 GMT -5 teen persuasion said:

So what is the thought process?  Vote for an awful candidate from the other party, hoping everyone finds them distasteful enough to vote for your preferred party instead?  Or, vote for a less awful candidate from the other party, to limit damage if/when they are elected?  Or,

It's all interesting to me, but moot - we have closed primaries.  Can only vote in the primary of the party you are affiliated with way far in advance.  Or can't vote at all, if unaffiliated.

Mine is to vote for one of the other party that I more align with in hopes the horrid one doesn't make it though.  I don't have strong preferences from the other party(ies), but I really don't want this guy to win the primary.  Although I think he will anyhow.

this is exactly where I'm at. although, now that I'm researching the guy I'd already planned to vote for, I actually like his platform. he sounds an awful lot like the outgoing Governor, who I voted for twice. unfortunately, our state party has been taken over by Q-idiots, so I'm not sure he's even got a shot. and our likely D candidate is kind of nutty.....so I'm really concerned about who's winning the R ticket. 

[tallguy]

Aug 5, 2022 13:15:01 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 5, 2022 12:44:37 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I get that, but in my state you can only vote for one party in the primary.  If both dems running for an office are acceptable to me (and the incumbent is a lock anyhow), then why not vote against the repulsive one in the other party?

There is a morality answer to that question. The primary is designed to provide an opportunity for members of a political party to select the person they wish to have represent their political party in the general election. Individuals who are not members of that party should not have a say in that decision. It is morally wrong to "crash a party". However, we are talking politics.

I recall in 2008 the Washington state government refused to run a "closed" presidential primary (don't remember specifics) and the national Democratic party responded by not use the results to allocate seats at the National Convention. That was determined through the caucus process.

Even the caucus process is not foolproof, however.  In 2012 I attended the Republican Party caucus.  I told them upfront that I was an independent voter (since in Washington one does not register by party at all) and asked if it was acceptable for me to be there.  I was told that was fine, as long as I was willing to be "Republican" for that day.  As long as you do not attend and vote in caucuses for both parties in the same election (which would be illegal) you're fine.

[tallguy]

And just as an aside, I cannot imagine voting in other states that are "ruled" by the parties after voting in Washington's system.  We do not register by party.  We have a "top-two" primary system, where all candidates are on the ballot and the top two vote-getters regardless of party move on to the general election.  And we are total vote-by-mail, which increases participation, eliminates voter suppression, and is cheaper to run, not to mention easier for the voter.  There are numerous drop boxes in convenient locations, and the voting envelope is now even postage-paid for those who want to or have to mail it in instead.  It is SO nice to live in a place that respects their citizens and WANTS them to participate in the process.  ALL of their citizens.  

[minnesotapaintlady]

Aug 5, 2022 13:15:01 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 5, 2022 12:44:37 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I get that, but in my state you can only vote for one party in the primary.  If both dems running for an office are acceptable to me (and the incumbent is a lock anyhow), then why not vote against the repulsive one in the other party?

There is a morality answer to that question. The primary is designed to provide an opportunity for members of a political party to select the person they wish to have represent their political party in the general election. Individuals who are not members of that party should not have a say in that decision. It is morally wrong to "crash a party". However, we are talking politics.

I recall in 2008 the Washington state government refused to run a "closed" presidential primary (don't remember specifics) and the national Democratic party responded by not use the results to allocate seats at the National Convention. That was determined through the caucus process.

I'm not a "member of a party".  I've voted Republican, Dem, Libertarian... 

I'm voting for who I want to see on the ticket no?  I'm ok with either Dem, but if I'm going to choose from the Republicans I definitely want X over Y.

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 13:27:57 GMT -5 tallguy said:

Aug 5, 2022 13:15:01 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

There is a morality answer to that question. The primary is designed to provide an opportunity for members of a political party to select the person they wish to have represent their political party in the general election. Individuals who are not members of that party should not have a say in that decision. It is morally wrong to "crash a party". However, we are talking politics.

I recall in 2008 the Washington state government refused to run a "closed" presidential primary (don't remember specifics) and the national Democratic party responded by not use the results to allocate seats at the National Convention. That was determined through the caucus process.

Even the caucus process is not foolproof, however.  In 2012 I attended the Republican Party caucus.  I told them upfront that I was an independent voter (since in Washington one does not register by party at all) and asked if it was acceptable for me to be there.  I was told that was fine, as long as I was willing to be "Republican" for that day.  As long as you do not attend and vote in caucuses for both parties in the same election (which would be illegal) you're fine.

I question the fact it would be illegal to vote in multiple party caucuses. Here is why - political parties are private organizations in charge of making their own rules for attending their caucus. I don't see a governmental right to limit attendance by making it a crime to attend and vote in more than one.

[azucena]

MPL - FWIW, I've done what you're thinking and have no moral qualms about it.

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 13:39:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 5, 2022 13:15:01 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

There is a morality answer to that question. The primary is designed to provide an opportunity for members of a political party to select the person they wish to have represent their political party in the general election. Individuals who are not members of that party should not have a say in that decision. It is morally wrong to "crash a party". However, we are talking politics.

I recall in 2008 the Washington state government refused to run a "closed" presidential primary (don't remember specifics) and the national Democratic party responded by not use the results to allocate seats at the National Convention. That was determined through the caucus process.

I'm not a "member of a party".  I've voted Republican, Dem, Libertarian... 

I'm voting for who I want to see on the ticket no?  I'm ok with either Dem, but if I'm going to choose from the Republicans I definitely want X over Y.

In your state primary election, at least this year, you can only vote for candidates of one party link. If you choose to vote in a primary in your state, you have to pick a party. Call it what you like but in that moment you become a part of that party.

You are voting for who you want to see become the nominee of a particular political party and have their name appear on the general election ballot as an option for all to choose from. Here is how this could play out for a person - their first choice in the general election would be Democrat candidate A or B, their second choice would be Democrat candidate B or A, and their third choice would be Republican candidate X. By participating in the Republican primary they would be working to make a choice possible that they have no intention of taking. Wouldn't it be more fair to leave the choice of Republican nominee up to those who would actually end up making one of them their choice in the general election? 

[minnesotapaintlady]

Aug 5, 2022 14:28:00 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 5, 2022 13:39:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm not a "member of a party".  I've voted Republican, Dem, Libertarian... 

I'm voting for who I want to see on the ticket no?  I'm ok with either Dem, but if I'm going to choose from the Republicans I definitely want X over Y.

In your state primary election, at least this year, you can only vote for candidates of one party link. If you choose to vote in a primary in your state, you have to pick a party. Call it what you like but in that moment you become a part of that party.

You are voting for who you want to see become the nominee of a particular political party and have their name appear on the general election ballot as an option for all to choose from. Here is how this could play out for a person - their first choice in the general election would be Democrat candidate A or B, their second choice would be Democrat candidate B or A, and their third choice would be Republican candidate X. By participating in the Republican primary they would be working to make a choice possible that they have no intention of taking. Wouldn't it be more fair to leave the choice of Republican nominee up to those who would actually end up making one of them their choice in the general election? 

Exactly.

[chiver78]

Aug 5, 2022 14:28:00 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 5, 2022 13:39:23 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm not a "member of a party".  I've voted Republican, Dem, Libertarian... 

I'm voting for who I want to see on the ticket no?  I'm ok with either Dem, but if I'm going to choose from the Republicans I definitely want X over Y.

In your state primary election, at least this year, you can only vote for candidates of one party link. If you choose to vote in a primary in your state, you have to pick a party. Call it what you like but in that moment you become a part of that party.

You are voting for who you want to see become the nominee of a particular political party and have their name appear on the general election ballot as an option for all to choose from. Here is how this could play out for a person - their first choice in the general election would be Democrat candidate A or B, their second choice would be Democrat candidate B or A, and their third choice would be Republican candidate X. By participating in the Republican primary they would be working to make a choice possible that they have no intention of taking. Wouldn't it be more fair to leave the choice of Republican nominee up to those who would actually end up making one of them their choice in the general election? 

curious how you feel about my position, as I sort of explained earlier. I'm an unenrolled voter in a state where I can request any party's primary ballot. I requested an absentee, as I'll be out of the country on primary day. I requested an (R) primary ballot, where I intend to vote for a candidate that I don't expect to win the primary. if he does, I'll be voting for him in hte general election. if he loses, I'll vote the wacko (D) candidate because the other (R) candidate is, well, I'm not going to derail the thread there. 

I'm not a member of either party. 

[Deleted]

I see I have a whole lot to learn, many of these posts are so far over my head it’s ridiculous.

I guess I always felt like as long as I vote for the “big” stuff, I was doing okay. And I realize that even with that, I was doing more than a lot of people that don’t vote at all. But, still it’s not enough.

Due to recent events in this nation, the point has been proven that it all matters. I always knew that, but I never saw it coming, the attacks on our democracy and personal freedom on such a large scale.

[finnime]

Aug 5, 2022 15:14:20 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

I see I have a whole lot to learn, many of these posts are so far over my head it’s ridiculous.

I guess I always felt like as long as I vote for the “big” stuff, I was doing okay. And I realize that even with that, I was doing more than a lot of people that don’t vote at all. But, still it’s not enough.

Due to recent events in this nation, the point has been proven that it all matters. I always knew that, but I never saw it coming, the attacks on our democracy and personal freedom on such a large scale.

This is what drove me to become an election judge in 2020. Because it all matters. Now that I've moved out of state I'll look into what is required here for next election.

[TheOtherMe]

Aug 5, 2022 13:41:27 GMT -5 azucena said:

MPL - FWIW, I've done what you're thinking and have no moral qualms about it.

I would consider this in a primary and not think twice about it.  

I used to be a poll worker.  A voter must declare a party to vote in the primary.  We have same day registration.  That happens both ways.  They often asked to change back right then, but the law said they had to stay in that party until midnight.  Part of that is so they wouldn't hold up the line changing parties again.  Some primaries don't matter on the time but others are busy from the minute the polls open until they close and that's the last thing a poll worker has time to do.

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 15:04:43 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Aug 5, 2022 14:28:00 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

In your state primary election, at least this year, you can only vote for candidates of one party link. If you choose to vote in a primary in your state, you have to pick a party. Call it what you like but in that moment you become a part of that party.

You are voting for who you want to see become the nominee of a particular political party and have their name appear on the general election ballot as an option for all to choose from. Here is how this could play out for a person - their first choice in the general election would be Democrat candidate A or B, their second choice would be Democrat candidate B or A, and their third choice would be Republican candidate X. By participating in the Republican primary they would be working to make a choice possible that they have no intention of taking. Wouldn't it be more fair to leave the choice of Republican nominee up to those who would actually end up making one of them their choice in the general election? 

curious how you feel about my position, as I sort of explained earlier. I'm an unenrolled voter in a state where I can request any party's primary ballot. I requested an absentee, as I'll be out of the country on primary day. I requested an (R) primary ballot, where I intend to vote for a candidate that I don't expect to win the primary. if he does, I'll be voting for him in hte general election. if he loses, I'll vote the wacko (D) candidate because the other (R) candidate is, well, I'm not going to derail the thread there. 

I'm not a member of either party. 

Great opportunity for me to admit I am playing (in a sense) devil's advocate here. I am a political scientist in my soul. American attitudes towards political parties intrigues me. We don't have strong party identification at either the voter or candidate levels these days. That a person can self identify and enter the nominating process of any political party without the party organization having any ability to intercede is bizarre. They have no control of their brand. Can you imagine if that were, ... say ... Nike? Anyone could slap a swoosh on a pair of shoes and say they were Nikes. And voters can say they aren't a member of the party but get to pick who gets blessed as that party's nominee. 

I have been very much appreciating minnesotapaintlady's willingness to continue the conversation (thank you).

FWIW, I think what you plan to do is a reasonable way to deal with political reality.

[Deleted]

Aug 5, 2022 10:25:45 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

The League of Women Voters has an election site called:  www.vote411.org/

On the home page is a link called "Find What's on Your Ballot".  You can put in your home address and it will pull up all the candidates and and issues that you will be voting on.  I think they will also provide recommendations on who the LWV supports in each race.  From reading your posts, I get the feeling that you are on the left of the political spectrum, which fits with the LWV agenda.  This could be an easy shortcut to learn about the down ballot races.

I forgot to say that I did visit the website you linked, and I think it will be helpful for future elections. Thank you!

I do believe in personal responsibility and that our government should be fiscally responsible. But I also believe in helping make sure children are okay, and the elderly. I believe in helping people that aren’t mentally or physically capable of taking care of themselves, and even people that are trying, but need help getting their lives together.

[teen persuasion]

Aug 5, 2022 15:29:10 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

Aug 5, 2022 13:41:27 GMT -5 azucena said:

MPL - FWIW, I've done what you're thinking and have no moral qualms about it.

I would consider this in a primary and not think twice about it.  

I used to be a poll worker.  A voter must declare a party to vote in the primary.  We have same day registration.  That happens both ways.  They often asked to change back right then, but the law said they had to stay in that party until midnight.  Part of that is so they wouldn't hold up the line changing parties again.  Some primaries don't matter on the time but others are busy from the minute the polls open until they close and that's the last thing a poll worker has time to do.

And then there's the opposite extreme - 

CHANGE OF ENROLLMENT (N.Y. Election Law Section 5-304(3))
An application to change one’s party enrollment for any primary election in 2022 must be received by the board of elections no later than February 14, 2022.

So if I wanted to vote in our primaries, I'd have to have chosen a party back in the winter. Never mind that redistricting wasn't settled until late May, so no one knew what district they'd end up in, let alone who would decide to run where. It's musical districts right now.

In between, the guy in district 23 quit, my rep was strongarmed into dropping out of the race for 23 that he was a shoe-in for, my new district 24 reaches across 285 miles/ 12 counties out of 60-ish/ and 4 different regions - with the carpetbagger incumbent from 22 running here now (because it's less competitive than her previous one). And the never-before-held-office chairman of the state GQP jumped in to run for 23 after pushing my guy out (for having the audacity to back mild gun reform post Buffalo shooting in his district); party boss is running against crazy GQP Hitler-admirer/slimeball slumlord. It's a toss-up who will win, honestly - the true-party man, or the unpredictable disrupter.

[billisonboard]

Aug 5, 2022 15:14:20 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

I see I have a whole lot to learn, many of these posts are so far over my head it’s ridiculous.

I guess I always felt like as long as I vote for the “big” stuff, I was doing okay. And I realize that even with that, I was doing more than a lot of people that don’t vote at all. But, still it’s not enough.

Due to recent events in this nation, the point has been proven that it all matters. I always knew that, but I never saw it coming, the attacks on our democracy and personal freedom on such a large scale.

Please keep in mind with my posts that I have a Bachelor’s degree in this stuff and just eat this shit up. Most of what I an saying isn't that important for just doing your good civic duty of voting. If there is anything you want more or clearer information concerning, please ask here or I am open to responding to PMs. I am also a teacher so helping people understand things feeds me also.

[Deleted]

Aug 5, 2022 15:56:59 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

Aug 5, 2022 10:25:45 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

The League of Women Voters has an election site called:  www.vote411.org/

On the home page is a link called "Find What's on Your Ballot".  You can put in your home address and it will pull up all the candidates and and issues that you will be voting on.  I think they will also provide recommendations on who the LWV supports in each race.  From reading your posts, I get the feeling that you are on the left of the political spectrum, which fits with the LWV agenda.  This could be an easy shortcut to learn about the down ballot races.

I forgot to say that I did visit the website you linked, and I think it will be helpful for future elections. Thank you!

I do believe in personal responsibility and that our government should be fiscally responsible. But I also believe in helping make sure children are okay, and the elderly. I believe in helping people that aren’t mentally or physically capable of taking care of themselves, and even people that are trying, but need help getting their lives together.

Yeah, that's what I've struggled with over the years.  I've often said I am a social liberal and a fiscal conservative.  I don't like labels because most stuff is nuanced.  In a weird way, the national paroxysms since 2016 have made it easier to identify with one party over another, and that's what I don't like, that so many are just voting for a meme.  There's a saying that all politics is local so I'll give you an example.  My city council member who is really important on a day-to-day level and probably headed to much bigger things is black.  My state rep who is impactful on the state level and maybe also head to the national stage is Asian.  The city council guy ran unsuccessfully against the state rep years ago and it was fugly for a bit, but today they have to work together against the GOP-controlled State legislature to advance their respective agendas.  They are both passionate, honorable and ethical so I truly love and embrace them both.  They share a vision of a better world even if they don't always agree on how to achieve it.  I've held their infant sons in my arms so I have no hesitancy in occasionally chewing on them both when they get stupid.  

[Deleted]

Aug 5, 2022 16:11:37 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 5, 2022 15:14:20 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

I see I have a whole lot to learn, many of these posts are so far over my head it’s ridiculous.

I guess I always felt like as long as I vote for the “big” stuff, I was doing okay. And I realize that even with that, I was doing more than a lot of people that don’t vote at all. But, still it’s not enough.

Due to recent events in this nation, the point has been proven that it all matters. I always knew that, but I never saw it coming, the attacks on our democracy and personal freedom on such a large scale.

Please keep in mind with my posts that I have a Bachelor’s degree in this stuff and just eat this shit up. Most of what I an saying isn't that important for just doing your good civic duty of voting. If there is anything you want more or clearer information concerning, please ask here or I am open to responding to PMs. I am also a teacher so helping people understand things feeds me also.

No worries. I’d already guessed that you enjoy these kinds of conversations and now I understand why.  

I’ve also noticed that you like to play devil’s advocate sometimes. But even then, you are usually sharing good information and/or food for thought, so that’s cool too.

Thank you for offering to answer questions. I’m sure I will have some (probably many) lol.