If you don't vote, you forfeit your right to complain.

[2naSalit]

with rights come responsibilities, voting is one of those responsibilities... to protect your rights.

Period.

If you want democracy, you have to participate by voting.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Good.

I have preserved my right to bitch. My wife & I just cast straight-ticket Dem ballots.

[2naSalit]

2. Cool.

And I just read your post about the high number of voters at your polling place today. That's, hopefully, a good sign.

I once lived in the Madison area and was very active at the time. One of the things I loved about Wisconsin. I'm in rural Montana now and cast my vote at least a week ago by mail-in. I do wish you and your state a turnover in Governorship. Walker is like a boil on the nose of the state.

I do suspect, and sincerely hope, that the American public have awoken to the dangers of voting apathy. I think a return to civics class by the time students complete the fifth or sixth grade in school is vitally necessary for the republic to continue in forward motion.

Good luck to us all and may the progressive politicians win the day.

[Orsino]

3. The First Amendment is in no way predicated on a requirement to vote.

One of the responsibilities we all shoulder is covering for those who can't, won't or don't vote.

I would hope that those who don't vote are doing their bit for the country in other ways...but I'll just vote harder.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Actually, I have always looked at that the opposite way

If I DO vote, I have no right to complain, because I picked/supported the person I am complaining about.

It is sorta like the " you knew who he was and you married him anyway, so stop complaining" logic we hear in families.

Me, I get to bitch about my no good lazy dishonest brother in law because I did NOT marry HIM.

Thus, the joy we share in complaining about Mooselini and Gramps and Mitt, etc.

[2naSalit]

5. Very valid point.

I was trying to be encouraging at the very most. Not sure I'm succeeding at that.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. I hear your encouragement loud and clear

and appreciate it.
My comment was just focused on the complain concept.

Sadly, I find out that it is not only Alabama where there are hardly any Dem. candidates.

There is one guy running for Sheriff in the county next to ours, he proudly proclaims, in his newspaper ad, in big bold letters
"I am not a Democrat or Republican, I am an AMERICAN"

Just so happens I know him from his business venture, and would not vote for him even if he was on my ballot in my county.

[JEB]

6. I vote and I complain.

[hugo_from_TN]

7. No you don't.

[HereSince1628]

10. ^^^^This^^^^ just as non-cooks get to complain about cafeteria food

and just as ride-moochers get to complain about other peoples' driving.

[99Forever]

9. Wish it were so.

But it isn't. Seems those that don't vote, gripe the most.

[Blue_Tires]

11. co-signed

[JEB]

12. Do both as often as the opportunity presents itself.

Beginning to wonder if either does any good.

[Doctor_J]

13. as I posted in the other identical thread, apparently I can't complain anyway

Even though I vote, complaints are not allowed, say the new democrats

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

14. It is the responsibility of the people in a democracy to hold public servants accountable.

Whether they vote or not.

[nomorenomore08]

15. Everyone has the right to vote, and everyone has the right to complain.

If you don't vote, then you're only exercising 50% (at most) of your rights.

[2naSalit]

17. That's a good way to

perceive it. I was repeating what I was taught, doesn't automatically mean I am correct without exception.

[Tommyb1951]

16. Complainers who agreed to play the game

I was always taught if you played the game, you accepted the rules and the outcome. You don't agree to play a basketball game, lose, then complain about the basic rules. If you agree to play the game you have no right to complain. Sit out the game and work to change the rules. Its called sportsmanship and being an adult.