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Originally Posted by SecretMethod70
Well, maybe dksuddeth voted for Bush, but none of the libertarians (or independents for that matter) that I know voted for him. I'll concede that I live in a state where we can freely vote our conscience without worrying about "spoiling" the election, but I know there were many libertarians out of my state who did not vote for Bush either. When Badnarik was asked who was better, Bush or Kerry, he refused to pick one pointing out that both are equally bad, only differently so. Honestly, dksuddeth, I'm not sure why you felt the need to vote for Bush either. You live in a state that was going to go to him no matter what - voting for Badnarik would have had no effect on the election and if more people in situations such as yours had done it, maybe the Libertarian party would have gotten more recognition and enough votes to be declared a major national party. (Same goes for Green supporters in solid states such as IL and TX.)
Anyway, my main point is that you shouldn't be assuming that libertarians voted for Bush. People who are willing to follow a third party are generally a lot less likely to also fall under the belief that they must vote for SOMEONE. Of the people I know who did not like Bush or Kerry, they either voted Badnarik (either because they agreed with him, or simply for the purpose of lending support to an "other") or they didn't vote at all. Yes, many libertarians DID vote for Bush (and many voted for Kerry too: most libertarians are quite aware that the Bush administration doesn't resemble their beliefs socially OR economically), but many also did not. So, let's not make broad assumptions otherwise.
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I have often stated on here that in 2000 I voted proudly for Nader, mainly because I vote for the man I think will best represent my values and beliefs and not what party or against someone. (Although, admittedly 2004 was pretty damn close to having to vote for Kerry just so Bush wouldn't win.... Kerry just does not have that charisma nor did he have much of a platform).
Third parties can flourish and get their start at local and state levels. I am saddened that more people do not vote their conscience. Perhaps, if they did the parties would have to truly take notice and change.
To me there is no excuse to say "I voted for Bush/Kerry because I wanted to make sure the other guy lost, even though I truly supported this third party guy."
Where are your values? You are definately selling your vote and voice out. Things will never change as long as people do that..... and unfortunately peoplefeel they have no choice because the press and the people we rely upon to inform us of third parties refuse to do so.
I must say Secret, I have gained respect for you and your convictions because you are one of the few who didn't sell short, who voted your beliefs. We need more in the country like you.