That's because people assume that because I am critical of both parties and often play devil's advocate and point out the shortcomings of all politicians, that I must be of the opposite political bent from them. Most of my office is convinced I'm a flaming liberal because they are so conservative fiscally (most of them don't give a damn about the social policies) that I'm constantly pointing out the flaws in their candidate. (Considering how flawed I think both candidates are on differing issues, it isn't hard. ;) ) Because most of my f-list is of a more liberal bent, they usually only see me pointing out things they've neglected to mention or what I see as causes for concern in their candidates.
Last election, someone on my f-list mentioned taking a picture of their ballot. I found that to be a very interesting idea. After the election from hell and all the dangling chads you cold stand, I could see why someone would want a record of their ballot. Unfortunately, for that to mean anything, I thought, we'd have to abandon the secret ballot. We'd have to have a way to tie our ballot to our name and that is just rife with ugly potential. I also thought people who might be easily intimidated could be put off voting if they thought someone was taking pictures of them, especially in the primary polling places where Democrats are on one side and Republicans on the other. Anyone who saw the picture would know to some degree how you voted.
So I mentioned I was curious about it and asked why he did it and he attacked me in a very hateful and personal way. He told me to take him off my friends list and called me all sorts of names, when all I wanted was to understand. Maybe he thought of something I hadn't. That is indicative of how a lot of people who have firm party beliefs treat people who refuse to commit to a party, but choose candidates on their individual merits instead. It shocks them to find out I've voted for Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents. In looking back over the ballots I've cast, I can't say that one group has gotten significantly more votes than any other. However, I almost never disclose how I voted in a specific election.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-09-19 07:15 pm (UTC)Last election, someone on my f-list mentioned taking a picture of their ballot. I found that to be a very interesting idea. After the election from hell and all the dangling chads you cold stand, I could see why someone would want a record of their ballot. Unfortunately, for that to mean anything, I thought, we'd have to abandon the secret ballot. We'd have to have a way to tie our ballot to our name and that is just rife with ugly potential. I also thought people who might be easily intimidated could be put off voting if they thought someone was taking pictures of them, especially in the primary polling places where Democrats are on one side and Republicans on the other. Anyone who saw the picture would know to some degree how you voted.
So I mentioned I was curious about it and asked why he did it and he attacked me in a very hateful and personal way. He told me to take him off my friends list and called me all sorts of names, when all I wanted was to understand. Maybe he thought of something I hadn't. That is indicative of how a lot of people who have firm party beliefs treat people who refuse to commit to a party, but choose candidates on their individual merits instead. It shocks them to find out I've voted for Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents. In looking back over the ballots I've cast, I can't say that one group has gotten significantly more votes than any other. However, I almost never disclose how I voted in a specific election.