Last night found me talking to one of my very few republican friends. He did vote for trump last time but will not be voting for him again. Not uncommon here. Many of the republicans in Bucks County will only vote in their party for local seats, but then vote democrat for higher state seats, governors and president. Even a lot of Dems vote republican for local seats. I myself voted for the republican Rep when I moved here, because the dem was a worthless and lazy piece of shit. This voting drives the rest of the state insane, but that's another story. My friend says he is over all of it, and is probably not going to vote. Of course I wanted to ring his neck. I said do you really want this dictator for another four years??? What will be left of the country?
It's not just republicans either. I know plenty of democrats not wanting to vote either. Here's what I have to say to non voters. This will be one of the most important elections of our time. If not dire. What's shocking is the republicans won the last election and yet their still so angry. I have never seen such a sore group of winners. But I told my friend, the non voters are the biggest political party in the country. They have the power. In the last election, trump got 63 million votes, Hillary got 66 million votes and there were over 100 million voters registered who didn't vote. What I what to say to them is I can understand why you didn't vote. You think polictians never do what they say. They don't. You think the country and the system is corrupt. It is. You think all the candidates are old party hacks. They are. I can understand why the non voters are upset. But the good news is you hold the power over the next election. You hold more power than the voters do. So if you don't like trump show up in November and stick it to the man. You non voters will have the power to swing this country from wrong back to right. And trump is counting on you not to show up, but trump is a bully. The job of the bully is to make sure everybody is afraid of him, but when you stop being afraid of him, the bully looses his power. And trump is very afraid of losing his power in November. He's getting crazy and out of control because he see the writing on the wall. But that doesn't mean he's going to loose though. Because every time you think he's going to lose, he wins. So you have the power to change that.
And we make voting so difficult to. The non voters aren't just stubborn people. Some are shut-ins, disabled, or sick people, or even single mothers, with three kids, working two jobs. Most Western democracy's have voting on holidays, weekends or the day off, so people can vote. We don't have that here. And we have fights about absentee and mail in voting. And the reason it's hard and difficult, and all this bitching, is because those in power, who are beholden to the rich and wealthy, those who buy our polictians, the last thing they and the top 1% want you to do is to show up and have your voice heard, because there are soooo many more working classes and poor people then there are rich people. So the more hard they can make it for you to show up, the easier it will be to continue the status quo.
Now I know most people reading this will be voting. One thing we can all do is make a list of the four people you know that say they aren't voting and make it your mission in the next 5 1/2 months to get them to vote. Make it your mission whether it be taking them to vote, help them get a mail in ballot, or absentee ballot, watch someones kids so they can go vote, whatever. Take the day off if you can to vote. I cant think of a more important date this whole year then election day in November. You non voters hold the power to bring this country to change and take us away from the Barnum Bailey Circus. If you have a issue at a polling place for whatever reason, then make sure to ask for a provisional ballet. They have to give you one if you ask for it, whether it be your at a wrong polling place or any other issue. You want your X on that ballot. They will see to it that it get counted. And a great website to check out is The Last Weekend. If you want to be involved or help out in any way during the campaigns, or election help. You can be involved. If you need to get a mail in ballot, contact your election board, your county courthouse or you State Rep for assistance. Just vote. As we just saw Lady G won her little election down in South Carolina. Ekk- Gods!!!! Get out and VOTE.
And can we stop hearing about trump bitching about the republican convention and where it will be. I for one thought the governor in North Carolina was only be responsible. Last I heard the RNC voted to have a reduced convention, defying trumps decision. But if it ends up moving yet, I'm sure that fucking whacko of a mayor Carolyn Goodman would love to host the convention in tacky and gaudy Las Vegas.
Another reason not to visit that dump. Because as we have seen she has no concept of the current covid-19 pandemic. And Carolyn, give me a call, I have several wigs that look better then that rats nest.
Word.
ReplyDeleteA non-vote would piss me off more, maybe, then a vote for _____, because it's a do-nothing; it's a let things stand vote; it's give the GOP a chance to stack the Supreme Court with conservative gasbags vote; it's make it harder and harder for people, especially, low income people and people of color, to vote.
Do-nothing?
Fuck that.
I agree. And yet the non voters bitch. Well the way I see it, is if you don't vote, then you don't have the right to complain and bitch and say much of anything really.
DeleteNot voting is a bugger punch.
Your Blog entry... hits the nail squarely on the head.... All better get out and Vote
ReplyDeleteHa!! I found my workaround on the comments issue. IE happens to work just fine!
ReplyDeleteGoodman's a complete dolt. Her latest - after the opening weekend - "I'm concerned we've opened too much too soon." Really, Carolyn? Really?? Ya think so???
Oh, fer Christ's sake...please don't send them here. …. On second thought, go ahead. The surrounding states have COVID cases going up, up, up, with hospitalization going up and hospital beds filling to the brim again. They all came here en masse this last weekend. I can stay home without a problem.
As I've been hearing from many black folks: Vote. Vote like your life depends on it. Because it does. - - Pat (Big Whkattk)
I don't know how and why Carolyn is the mayor. The woman is seriously bat shit crazy. I saw two interviews with her, and have not a clue one thing she said or where she was going with it. Her next move should bein a institution.
DeleteOh dear god. I can't. So all I'll say is, Carolyn Goodman is the most poorly made-up drag queen I've ever seen. Oh, excuse me, no offense intended to drag queens. Or women. Or any decent member of the human race. That woman is an embarrassment in ever way.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to live in a vote by mail state!
ReplyDeletetake care, xoxo :-)
I've voted for the past ten years now. Originally, it was just because I was in the process of moving, but now I like the convenience of it.
ReplyDeleteMany people assume it was the working class that put Trump in power. But most working class people I encounter, and I've encountered a lot, being a member of the working class myself, are just too apathetic to vote. The few that do tend to be right-wing (of which I'm an exception.)
Read George Orwell's 1984 sometimes. The "proles", the biggest part of the population, are not monitored by Big Brother, because he knows they're so apathetic.
I reread my comment and see I made a boo-boo. I meant to write "I've voted BY MAIL for the past ten years now". Before that I spent a quarter of a century going to polling places on election day and pulling a lever, punching a hole in a card, etc.
Delete...could only catch a quick glance at this post at the moment- I’m supposed to be settling down to work - but I’ll be back ....it’s brilliant!!! ...and the message is clear and well stated!!! Voting in November is critical....this is an existential vote for the soul of our country and if we care we must show it by vigorous action. There are those too ready to deny people the vote as witnessed by the gross - intentional, I think - mishandling of Tuesday’s vote in Georgia....too many opportunities for this kind of action in November if we let them get away with it!
ReplyDeleteBible pairing is absolutely brilliant and says it all!!!! The two monsters are really not so far apart...
Non-voters piss me off more than Repukluxklans. Now, voting should be a national holiday, not a date smacked in the middle of the week, when so many people who work cannot access the polls. Also, taking into account the blatant voter suppression going on (Georgia, anyone?) this time voting for president will be a matter of life or death of the country. IMPOTUS will try by all means to win. All. Means.
ReplyDeleteBTW, those Repukluxklans who 'vote conservative, blah, blah, blah) annoy me also. I was recently mentioning I do not have Repug friends. Do I know some? Yes. Do I talk to them? Nope. Fuck them, as Candis said.
XOXO
Great screed, hon. I have never really considered the role non-voters play in our elections. Pisses me off that people can be that short-sighted. I am fortunate. My employer allows me time to go and vote. So, I always run to the polls and the run off to a little encounter I set up on-line to celebrate. Vote and then... Throat Coat! Love the Bette Davis pic. And, btw, Carolyn? She gets her wigs at Wal-Mart. Part of their 'I Hate Myself' collection.
ReplyDeleteMOST EXCELLENT POST Mistress!
ReplyDeleteIf everyone under 30 gets out and non voters, and votes in November, we could swing both the Senate and president and change everything!!!!!
I firmly believe those that don't vote will eventually loose that right. Our corrupt polictians will create something or other, to say if you haven't voted in so many years , your right will be taken away. Is that what you want?
Your so right about the southeast too. Many repubs and dems, vote repub for local and then switch to vote dem for everything else. I will admit to be conservative locally, and then very liberal with state and national topics. When I was a republican's years ago, I always did that. Who ever I feel will do the best job and get it done gets my vote. I have seen worthless polictians on both sides. Why am I going to keep someone in a seat if they aren't doing the job? Can you say Babette Josephs?
Ultimately the only thing that will be decided this election is whether America loves Freedom or fascism. Pretty clear the only choice for Freedom loving Americans is to vote straight BLUE!
ReplyDeleteYou are on fire lately!!!!!!
But I will admit I don't have much faith.
I live in Denmark, the longest I have ever waited to vote is 5 mins. Your country needs fixing, everything is wrong with the US. You're a nation of toodlers pretending to be adults, and I mean that kindly, I adore your blog!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a most excellent post and so true and well said. I hope you'll consider reposting it several times till election??? If you have the right to vote, why wouldn't you? We have such little power use what we got.
ReplyDeleteI second that thought Samantha.
DeleteI missed the last election because I was in the hospital and it was said that Ohio was kicking people off for missing voting.... I am glad I know now to ask for a provisional ballot!!!! Thank you. I have to link this too my FB. This was so true and no voters should read it.
ReplyDeleteTrump is not a reason to vote?
ReplyDeleteIf you're notionally a Democrat and you don't get out and vote, then you are enabling Trump by default.
“Half the American people never read a newspaper. Half never vote for President — the same half?” — Gore Vidal
ReplyDeleteJx
This was a most excellent post. I agree Mistress this is a fierce side and I like it.
ReplyDeleteThere were fascists in the US in 1934-39 before the US entered the war and they were defeated. They have resurfaced again with their enabler Trump and can be defeated again. VOTE!!!
I had no idea who that woman was, but just seeing that pictures she looks crazy.
I loved this post and your are right. The non voters are the biggest party in the country.
ReplyDeleteIt's also amazing to me when long time republicans realize that their leader and party are not what they want for this country, and are crossing party lines, and endorsing democrats so that others will cross party lines, also, in order to straighten our toppling democracy. That is an amazing thing to me, one which takes so much courage inner strength, and i am so very grateful to them for. Not to mention sends a huge fuck you to their own party.
This country can not be one-sided. If it's all democrats or republican's then just how in hell is that a democracy? I can't stand those who or far left and right, and who can't vote for the best candidate, and step outside of their closed off views. I'm a democrat but possess qualities and views from both sides myself.
Nice to see someone gets it. See, you get it. When I in the US still living, It was either democratic or republican, and if you didn't share views, well then, by all means you were dirt. Things have to be balanced with the best and finest from both sides. And I thought it was bad then!!! The US has apparently forgotten what a democracy is. I has gotten much worst. The US is a time bomb waiting to implode.
DeleteIm right there with you Asriel. Our friends who are either far left, or far right are just becoming nuts. You CAN'T TELL THEM ANYTHING. They refuse to see there is corrupt and evil on both sides. I know people on both sides, who would keep rotten, lazy, bad polictians in a position, who don't accomplishing a thing, instead of crossing the aisle to put someone in who just may do good. I don't get. Or when one side doesn't something real bad, the other is right there quick to call it out and bash, but when their own party goes and does the same thing, they sweep it over the carpet. But both parties have a lot of work to do you ask me. Another reason why we are thinking of seriously leaving the country. The country is getting to all democrat or all republican. Well, that's not a democracy.
Deletedon't tell me your in the vodka now?
ReplyDeleteThe Mistress is so gonna fire you one day.
DeleteActually, Las Vegas had been on the card, but they're going with Jacksonville because there are so many more old people they can infect.
ReplyDeleteYet another reason I don't miss the US. Crazy that a country that promotes itself as the greatest democracy in the world, cant even dedicate a holiday to its celebrations. Not only do your corporate bosses screw the workers for every cent they can screw you out of, they make it an economic choice to use your vote to try and balance the scales. The US has no business commenting internationally on voting standards and fairness.
ReplyDeletebut non voters should vote, It's one right you have, For now.
Here in Australia voting is compulsory. If you don't vote you can be fined. We Aussies cherish the right to whinge about our pollies. If you don't vote your right to whinge is forfeit!
ReplyDeleteMistress you nailed it when he described why the top 1% are trying to suppress voting. "there is soooo more working classes and poor people than rich people in the US so they must try to keep them from voting." Employers should give at least a half day off to ensure people are voting and give them time. And YES to the non voters! Go vote. Why have rights if we aren't going to use them?
ReplyDeleteFUCK THE DUMP! FUCK THE GOP! VOTE BLUE! JUST FUCKING VOTE!
ReplyDeleteI'm a reader from Florida, remember the G W Bush vote count fiasco. After the republicans stopped the vote count, the right winger powers used the supreme court to appoint him. Aside from the screwy ballot in Palm Beach County, police parked cars to block black neighor voters from getting close to their voting places. A year later people had "found" bags of mail in votes, over seas ballots etc over 50,000 that were acknowledged. Trump lost by more than 6 million votes (votes for candidates other than him). I don;t understand young people not battling this toxic situation. Fox news conditioned people to accept what ever the right wing wants. We need a modern voting system with a hoiday to vote. End the stealing and buying of elections.
ReplyDeleteBecause young people (and we're increasingly seeing anyone under 50 referred to as young as part of what I call the Batman problem*) are disgusted with Biden and the actions of the DNC and DCCC as well.
Delete*The Batman problem goes like this: Basically, Batman is already in his 40s by the 80s, and a grandfather (though not by Dick's choice, and little Julienne is quickly forgotten) in 1992. So, you have to do something about people's ages.
Since pundits don't have the Flash's reboot powers, they go the Marvel route: Condense time and redefine "young" for as long as you can. So, Now a 40-year-old, as the oldest millennial are, is still a child. Up to 50, you're an angsty teen. Boomers are old enough to go to the disco. That's what kids do these days, right?
But counting it that way, Bill Clinton also lost. One more thing he and the Orange Horror have in common. People don't talk about it that way because the only people who do stridently insist "vote blue, no matter who" and then don't even give us a damned primary are centrists.
DeleteWhy do people continue to believe Georgia will flip? Or anywhere in the South save for Virginia (northern Virginia, which says more about today's Democrats that they win Fairfax County) and Florida.
DeleteI live in a very republican county. I’ve been an election judge for all but the first election since I’ve been here, 19 years now. For the first time since I’ve been a judge, the county Democratic Party called me to ensure I would be working at the polling place in November. I assured them I would. Because of the delivery and pickup of the equipment, I take three days off from my regular job to serve.
ReplyDeleteIn Illinois, if you notify your employer of your need to take time off to vote before Election Day, they are required to allow you two hours during voting hours to go vote. TWO HOURS! I live about an hour from my office and I’m not alone in a commute.
So yeah we need to change how we vote in this country. This year, and only this year, Illinois will send an application for an absentee ballot to all voters who voted an an election over the last three years. That’s a start. It’s embarrassing how few REGISTERED voters actually show up. We have to commit to be there. Make your voice heard. Vote. VOTE. VOTE GODDAMIT!
Not voting can save you a few hours. Voting can save you a few more years if nazis are stopped. This was a great post Mistress.
ReplyDeleteAre we using that metaphor? The centrist parties gleefully backed the NSDAP.
DeleteThank you everybody for the nice input!
ReplyDeleteThat's...not how the 1932 German election went. Klaus von Hindenburg and his centrist pals won, and because anti-Weimar parties had been gaining power, then they appointed Hitler Chancellor a year later under political pressure, thinking him the buffoon they could control. Upon Hindenburg's death in 1934, Hitler declared himself Führer.
ReplyDeleteSo, basically, a whole lotta shit went down that hypothetically can't happen in a two-party state unless fools start talking about the need for "balance", Karen, and "moderation", Brad, and what they mistakenly refer to as "pragmatism" but is in reality just a combination of golden mean and naturalistic fallacies, Susan. So really two-party states are even more at risk.