Apropos Austrian Aphorisms

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The apathy non-vote

I concede. I don't vote because of apathy. That is, a real lack of pathos for the racket that is the state. I hold no general pathetic feeling, only that it is pathetic in the pejorative sense.

Many feathers are ruffled over the squawk of not voting. It's an important 'right'; some hold it the most sacred. So why do these people not correlate the 'right to vote' with other 'rights'? That is, the right to speak freely includes the right to not speak at all. How powerful were silent protests!, some people think. So should not the right to vote include the right to not vote? "I will give this matter no attention by speaking no more!" and I will give the state no attention by voting no more.

But why are those so adamant about voting not so adamant about other rights? "It doesn't matter whom you vote for, just vote!" Do they say this for speech? It does not matter what you say, just say it!...until you say something not P.C. Would these people be so pushy if you said you intended to vote for someone who is racist?

Published Wed, Oct 29 2008 6:16 PM by thedo

Comments

# re: The apathy non-vote@ Saturday, November 1, 2008 10:58 AM

Voting is a Constitutionally established privilege as opposed to the right to assemble, for example.

I need to know that you and others who stand for Constitutional Government and Rule of Law are out their and active. Don't vote to support the state and don't abstain to ignore the state. Do it to let your friends and neighbors know?

Winning politicians are made in such a way to believe that those who abstain have no complaint.

Losing politicians are sure that if you would have showed up you would have helped them win.

I am made in such a way that I desire to know that there is a community of like minded voters who will help me to eliminate deficit spenders and those who fail to support the Constitution.

Finally, vote because you are volunteering to exercise your privilege, for in a new world order, you will not be free to abstain.

by Paul

# re: The apathy non-vote@ Saturday, November 1, 2008 5:36 PM

just cuagt your blog on mises.org.

just wanted to give my 2c on the voting/apathy issue. to me it is apathetic in large part to vote, because by doing so one passively affirms 'the system', by taking the bold step and not voting one essentially can make the moral claim, i do not consent to these wrongnessisms.

you capured this here: "It doesn't matter whom you vote for, just vote!" this is the apathetic compliance with a system gone bad where as providing reasoned argument (moral or otherwise) as to why you dont vote is to resist apathy, to resist the false dichotomy that covers up bi-partisan compliance with state building.

so yeah, most non-voters are indeed apathetic, and one can understand why, but it is also a mistake to accuse all non-voters of being apathetic.

yours,

alansmithee.

by alansmithee