I'll just get right down to the point. In this particular case, I feel as though a utilitarian approach is appropriate. In other words, do the ends justify the means? Does your disingenuous vote have greater potential to bring about a greater good than your honest vote?
Personally, I would say the answer is yes. The GOP has become intoxicated by a fringe ideology. A pulverizing defeat might be just what is needed in order to disillusion the GOP from the influence of the Tea Party.
Now, what if the Tea Party candidate you vote for goes on to win the general election? This is always a possibility, and if it happens, you will be to some degree responsible for it. As such, you need to weigh the options carefully. If you are fairly certain the Tea Party candidate is not going to win, and if you feel the end justifies the means, then vote for the Tea Party candidate in the primary. Otherwise, you should vote for the person you honestly like.
Is that all I've got? Yeah, looks like it. Actually, one last thought. Perhaps you should stay on the safe side and vote for the candidate you like? Yes, the Tea Party and its slew of moronic politicians are annoying, but lets not forget that Americans are lazy and forgetful. Four years from the election the Tea Party could be nothing more than a whisper. A noisy mosquito to be swatted out of the way. Why risk making a poor decision when you can simply wait them out?
You're line of thinking is pretty close to mine. To treat this as purely a matter of practicality, I think I'm with you (us) 100%. But after reading John's, it's giving me an idea about weighing inaction into the equation somehow. I don't know how, yet but it's something worth exploring.
ReplyDeleteInaction? As in not voting? Which I think is a perfectly viable option.
ReplyDeleteSure, I wouldn't discount it out of hand. But I'm neither apathetic nor ignorant of the politics in mind, I just can't clearly and accurately what I want in this system. Simply chosing not to pick a candidate may not be ethical, even considering how screwed up the contest is.
ReplyDeleteWell, like I said in John's blog, I'm not really convinced making an informed decision to not vote is irresponsible. Perhaps this is the real issue in need of being settled?
ReplyDelete