got into an argument with my dad(about politics)

[Kuya]

About politics, terrible idea!

Anyway, i commented to him that i might vote for Irrizary this year, who's in the Independista party, and he promptly answered that i've been brainwashed by the University, kind of like any College in the US has the fame of being a bastion of Liberalism, the UPI is known for being a bastion of separatists. So anyway, i argue that considering the current economic situation of the island, it would be more advantageous to vote for someone who's a doctor in Economy, this in light of the current incumbent's idea of creating a pipeline that goes through Ponce, and completely ignoring any plan to promote alternative energy sources, this being so important because only 1% of the energy here comes from alternative sources, his ideas of cutting taxes here and there for the sole purpose of getting votes, and he's currently made it so buses are free to ride without charge whatsoever until December 31, a pretty nice political move i suppose, shameless, but somewhat effective, even though it ignores that we have one of the most inefficient transportation system known to any nation in the West. Our train is 400km long, and it has 16 stops, only 4 of which are located in highly populated areas, and the lack of public planning when it comes to construction (idiots trying to imitate the US) makes it so the free rides ignores the fact that nobody uses it because it sucks!

And as for the pro statehood(lol neva gonna happan) candidate, who's the most likely to win, and for whom i voted in the primaries (note that they're both fucking corporate lawyers) has been disappointing me with his nonchalant attitude towards the election knowing that he's ahead by an enormous margin, and his rather shitty proposals which pretty much amount to the same tax cuts the incumbent is planning, and that's pretty much all i've heard out of him. But, i don't only want to vote for Irrizary because i believe his ideas are better, i have no pretension that an Independentista is ever going to win (they've never won), however considering the terrible and practically chaotic state(500 murders, 180 suicides this year) that PR has been lately, i think that if a both the PPD and the PNP can be made to see that they can potentially loose very soon if they don't get their shit together is a pretty good idea. I say this because these parties have made sure that every Puerto Rican thinks that if we become independent then we will all sink to the bottom of the sea, essentially, independence is the monster under our beds and we have to keep it away or else we're all doomed, so what better way to scare the two major parties into shape then to use their own tactic against them, plus if PR ever became independent they will undoubtedly loose all power, and no politician wants that.

So essentially, i want to vote for him (Irrizary) because i think he's the better candidate and i feel voting for him might make the other two parties realise that they may loose their monopoly over politics in the island, however i believe my father has fallen for the monster under the bed trick, that was the only thing he brought up against me during the argument, he kept insisting of what would happen to us if the Independentistas won and how the whole island would go to shit (like it hasn't already), to which i replied that i rather doubt that: A- that the party could ever win B- if the won they probably don't have the balls to go all out independence since they want US assistance just as much as the other assholes C- they probably wouldn't gain control of the House in tandem with the Governor's position, so any attempt for Independence would be constantly cock blocked D- We can't do shit without Congress' permition. But, here comes the reason why i made the thread:

Do you guys think i'm wasting my vote (i'm essentially voting for the independents who have a dismal chance of winning) by voting for the Independentistas, or are my reasons sound enough to justify me not voting for the "best possible given the situation"?

Yes, very TL;DR

[Kiarax]

Nobody actually gives a shit about your vote.

[Nuketwig]

Independentistas sounds cool, go for it.

[Kuya]

Nobody actually gives a shit about your vote.

I know, but i like to act like Democracy is still alive. You know? Like when i get drunk to make the ugly hos seem attractive.

[Shuemue]

So it's essentially a protest vote?

If so, go and spoil your ballot instead.

[Elvis]

CONCORDANTLY

[shihei]

I THOUGHT YOU WERE CUBAN??!!

WTF WAS IN THOSE CUBAN CIGARS THEN?

[Beckwin]

It sounds like you're voting for Ron Paul except this guy actually has an economics degree.

[Kuya]

It sounds like you're voting for Ron Paul except this guy actually has an economics degree.

Essentially, his party's policies seem to gear towards socialism, but here in Puerto Rico, those kinds of labels mean nothing, only thing that matters to people here is Independence/Statehood/Colony. Since people in this forum sometimes seem to argue for the futility or value of voting for someone they know will likely lose, i want to see what their opinions are on my reasoning and if this would be an exception to their general view on voting taking into account the geopolitical aspects of my situation.


Gonna put this in General for more replies.

[Cyn]

If you become independent, does that mean you'll stop sending all your loud mouthed trifling women over here?

[Kuwait-cafe]

If you become independent, does that mean you'll stop sending all your loud mouthed trifling women over here?

[/thread]

[Kuya]

Keynote: Assuming people here continue to view indepdendence the same way, and the situation continues to worsen, you will be seeing more loud mouthed Latin women than you could possibly handle.

[Cyn]

Hah, we already can't handle the ones we have.

[Beckwin]

Essentially, his party's policies seem to gear towards socialism,

ooh, I like.

Here's my take: if it's going to be a close election, I'd go with the contender who best represents my interests. If not, go for the Independent socialist dude. Special case is if neither contender will really affect much of anything, then go for the Independent dude.

I guess for comparison, I'd like to see a really awesome socialist candidate but I still probably wouldn't vote for him over Obama this round because of the gravity of our Middle East (and now east bloc) embroilment and a legit shot at healthcare reform that Obama represents over McCain. Take that how you will for considering the decision you have.

[Kuya]

Well, what i'm really trying to do is use my vote to punish, since both the PPD and the PNP have been absolutely terrible lately (ok, they are always terrible, but more so now), it's not just me though, due to recent events the Indepentista vote is expected to grow by quite a number, just not win.

[Beckwin]

Well if you genuinely think both are terrible and will do no significant good, vote for the independent guy. but try to evaluate objectively what each contender is likely to do and what you really think of those actions.

[guartz]

I say you stab the independent dude, and steal the socialist's watch.















In a traditional PR fashion.

[Kuya]

The traditional methods is with guns, we aren't savages here!

[KuaiEQ]

1 persons vote will never change anything your life is meaningless. kill yourself.

[evilbau]

i would actually say something similar, a single vote will never decide anything so always vote your conscience or what you feel morally compelled to do. To me a vote is more 'wasted' if it is cast without conviction, reason, or purpose.