![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lions and tigers and politics, oh my
Oct. 17th, 2008 11:14 pmThere is a reason that I don't discuss politics on my blog. It has, actually, nothing to do with the importance of politics. I think it is very important who you elect, and what measures, amendments, and so on are passed, and that you vote in a thoughtful manner. However, political discussions have a tendency to be incendiary, especially online. I try to avoid discussing those topics which I think are better suited to real life conversations. The internet is a wonderful thing, and the blogging community and online forum communities are also wonderful things. But, I shall refrain from posting my views on this election, and shall not tell you who I plan to vote for (although I suspect most of you would guess correctly). With that rather long disclaimer, I want to talk about something I discovered during the political discussions at my work.
There are many people who cannot make a good argument.
I am not saying that I always make great arguments, but many of the arguments that I hear are terrible. They are full of fallacies, or assumptions, or assertions. It is nonsense to vote for someone (or not vote for them) based solely on their race, gender, or political party. Yes, those things can be considerations, but they ought not to be the primary or only consideration when voting. Refusing to vote for a candidate because she is a woman, or only voting for a candidate because she is a woman are both bad ideologies and bad arguments (and yes, I have heard both). The primary consideration of any candidate ought to be their experience and ideology.
There are many arguments that I disagree with, but it is so much better when they are rational, well formed arguments that I can logically disagree with. I really would prefer for you to disagree with me and to have a well thought, logical reason for disagreeing, than for you to blindly agree with me. At least that way we can have a discussion about the issues, and I can be confident that while you may not vote the same way that I will, you have good reasons for voting the way that you do.
And this brings me to my real plea, especially for my friends who are Americans. The elections are coming very soon (I already have my absentee ballot). Please vote, but please vote having considered all the issues and with good reasons for supporting or opposing the candidates or positions. Please take the time to understand how your votes will impact foreign policy, the economy, and the role of the government. I am certainly no expert, but I try to stay informed on the major issues of this presidential race, as well as the various other issues on the ballot.
When you vote, or discuss politics, please do not simply state things about a candidate or issue, but actually make arguments. They do not have to be neat, five point arguments with a brilliant conclusion, but there is a difference between an assertion or an argument. If you think that one of the presidential candidates would be better for the economy, don't just say it, but please back it up with facts or arguments. When you vote, please have reasons for voting the way that you do.
I used to just say to people that they ought to vote, and it is certainly your responsibility if you live in a democracy or republic (or some weird mixture thereof) to vote, but it your responsibility to vote for good reasons, not just because you think someone sounds better, or because they had a more amusing or interesting advertisement. So, my fellow Americans, please consider wisely, and please vote.
There are many people who cannot make a good argument.
I am not saying that I always make great arguments, but many of the arguments that I hear are terrible. They are full of fallacies, or assumptions, or assertions. It is nonsense to vote for someone (or not vote for them) based solely on their race, gender, or political party. Yes, those things can be considerations, but they ought not to be the primary or only consideration when voting. Refusing to vote for a candidate because she is a woman, or only voting for a candidate because she is a woman are both bad ideologies and bad arguments (and yes, I have heard both). The primary consideration of any candidate ought to be their experience and ideology.
There are many arguments that I disagree with, but it is so much better when they are rational, well formed arguments that I can logically disagree with. I really would prefer for you to disagree with me and to have a well thought, logical reason for disagreeing, than for you to blindly agree with me. At least that way we can have a discussion about the issues, and I can be confident that while you may not vote the same way that I will, you have good reasons for voting the way that you do.
And this brings me to my real plea, especially for my friends who are Americans. The elections are coming very soon (I already have my absentee ballot). Please vote, but please vote having considered all the issues and with good reasons for supporting or opposing the candidates or positions. Please take the time to understand how your votes will impact foreign policy, the economy, and the role of the government. I am certainly no expert, but I try to stay informed on the major issues of this presidential race, as well as the various other issues on the ballot.
When you vote, or discuss politics, please do not simply state things about a candidate or issue, but actually make arguments. They do not have to be neat, five point arguments with a brilliant conclusion, but there is a difference between an assertion or an argument. If you think that one of the presidential candidates would be better for the economy, don't just say it, but please back it up with facts or arguments. When you vote, please have reasons for voting the way that you do.
I used to just say to people that they ought to vote, and it is certainly your responsibility if you live in a democracy or republic (or some weird mixture thereof) to vote, but it your responsibility to vote for good reasons, not just because you think someone sounds better, or because they had a more amusing or interesting advertisement. So, my fellow Americans, please consider wisely, and please vote.