Originally Posted by
leightoncash
I'm really unimpressed with the discussion here. A lot of insults and offhand dismissals, but not a lot of people here seem capable or willing to come up with a cogent counterargument. If you have anything thoughtful or measured to add, this is a forum for exactly that. If you'd rather it be an echo chamber, then the previous posts are a great start in that direction.
Some people view their vote as an expression of their values and beliefs, rather than simply a choice between two likely options. JTP80's choice to not cast a vote for someone he didn't believe in shows a lot more conviction than the vote of a person willing to slurp up whatever crap is set down in front of them. I voted libertarian in the two elections prior to the last one. I knew that my candidate wouldn't win. But I'm proud that I voted for what I truly thought was best for the country. Telling people that "any vote outside of the 2 parties is a wasted vote" is the #1 way to guarantee that nothing ever changes in this country. If we had a principled articulate 3rd party candidate like a Justin Amash in the presidential debates, the other 2 parties would have to field candidates who actually knew something. They have zero impetus to field real candidates right now, because people like most of y'all here are going go in 100% for whatever useful idiot they trot out.