and they're 3rd and goal. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback. The receivers hightail it into the end-zone--that is, all except one. He just stands there and waves his hands in disgust. He doesn't even try!
So, if you're watching this scene unfold, you would probably be pretty ticked off. What a defeatist attitude! Sure, the team is losing big, but you have to at least try! You might even have a chance for a big comeback. Of course you're going to lose with an attitude like that.
So, did you vote on Tuesday? Or did you allow your inaction to strengthen the votes of those with whom you disagree?
In the last couple of years I've heard a number of people complain about how "voting just doesn't make a difference." Yet they, in their absence of action have literally made a difference: they have helped their opponents--they are supporting the very people they say they disagree with. By not casting their vote into the pool, they increase the relative percentage of those with whom they disagree. So those who do not vote can congratulate themselves for all the victories of the opposition--because they, themselves, helped make it possible.
Posted by enigma at November 9, 2006 09:41 PMI like this example. Most people would agree with you, but consider the following similar case:
You are a soldier defending your country against invasion. The invading forces are superior in numbers, firepower, and strategy. It soon becomes obvious that you will be defeated. If you surrender, you will probably be allowed to live. If you fight, you will die. If you desert and pretend to be a civilian, you might live.
What do you do?
Incidentally, I almost always vote third party whenever possible. The argument "they aren't viable" is only true because few vote for them; and few vote for them because "they aren't viable." It's circular.
Posted by: Steve at November 12, 2006 12:54 PMI'm not a big fan of the team metaphor for politics as I think it tends to promote party loyalty over principle.
But while we're on the subject of sports, I'm reminded of the summer of '97 when I was temporary living in Pac Glen with some new players on the university basketball team. The new players were recruited using loopholes in the scholarship limits to sweeten the deal for them. Their behavior was in complete contradiction with the stated values of the school. The university turned a blind eye because it wanted a winning basketball team.
That was the season the basketball team went to the championships. To me, the players symbolized values that were contrary to mine and corruption of the athletic department's integrity. I couldn't root for the home team.
That's how I felt during the election two years ago.
Some of my political views aren't popular with my fellow Christians, but I have to vote according to my conscience. Of course, I live in such a politically lop-sided area that my swing vote won't swing anything--but that doesn't stop me from trying. ;-)
Posted by: Kevin Worcester at November 14, 2006 07:43 AM