Must I vote in order to complain?

"[SIZE=-1]I'm English and as such I crave disappointment.[/SIZE]"

I complain a lot about the state of the country and also the world in general. I'm sick to death of all politicians and am of the opinion that they are all fundamentally exactly the same. I steer clear of the Politics forum on this site but I am now here to ask this.

Must I vote in order to feel justifiably aggrieved concerning the state of the country, etc.? I really think voting is a waste of time for myself, as I have no opinion whatsoever on who should be in power [considering they are all the same anyway- see above].

However, I complain about the weather, football scores, lack of decent programming on television and other things to which I contribute nothing. Nobody has as yet taken me to task on this, although many, many people who seem to think politics is "interesting" and/or "important" have taken me to task over my anti-politics views.

Assuming I don't campaign for one particular party, or even mention for whom I will be voting to anyone else, my one vote will not make any difference.

stemann said:

Further, assuming I don't campaign for one particular party, or even mention for whom I will be voting to anyone else, my one vote will not make any difference.

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some_politics_wannabe said:

But what if everybody thought like that?

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stemann said:

Not everybody thinks like that and I doubt that my assertion here of me thinking like that will affect anyone anyway.

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Heya stemann,

I am not sure I completely understand you. Are you saying that you do not vote because you do not care at all about politics or because you see no difference between the candidates?

In my opinion, a representative democracy should try as hard as it can to be a direct democracy. In a direct democracy, both of the above opinions are valid voting positions to take.

However, I suspect the reason why people dislike you complaining about politics whilst not voting is because they themselves dislike whatever aspect of politics you are complaining about whilst they feel they have done something to actively discourage it by voting against it. Perhaps they lost the vote, furthering their frustration when they find that their are more like minded people who may have helped them get the outcome they wished.

For purists, it is also frustrating to live in a democracy where only a minority of the people vote making it, in fact, not a democracy at all.

Fluffy said:

However, I suspect the reason why people dislike you complaining about politics whilst not voting is because they themselves dislike whatever aspect of politics you are complaining about whilst they feel they have done something to actively discourage it by voting against it. Perhaps they lost the vote, furthering their frustration when they find that their are more like minded people who may have helped them get the outcome they wished.

For purists, it is also frustrating to live in a democracy where only a minority of the people vote making it, in fact, not a democracy at all.

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And that's exactly it. I couldn't have said it better myself. :clap

Fluffy said:

For purists, it is also frustrating to live in a democracy where only a minority of the people vote making it, in fact, not a democracy at all.

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I can't remember the last time I voted for a Presidential candidate that was on the ballot. I've written in candidates for years, because I thought them more worthy of the position than any of my so-called "choices."

And yes, that gives me complainin' rights.

But even so, there are always propositions here and there. Do they not have such things in the UK, or is it entirely left to Parliament?

Well, in 2000, if 538 people in Florida (the entire state) that didn't vote had voted for Al Gore, we would have had a different president. So really while 1 vote may not seem important, it could be.

So I feel that if you don't vote you shouldn't complain, because by not voting you choose not to voice your opinion on who should be making the laws. Also, there are many laws in the US that must be voted on by the general public, these are usually on the ballot during a big election, by not going to the polls to vote, you miss the chance of voice your opinion on the law itself, if they have the same thing where you are.

Of course, right now, you're free to say and complain about whatever you like, but if you don't exercise your right to vote who's to say how long that might last.

What will you do then?

Participating in the political process in the States doesn't just mean voting for the President of the United States but it seems that way to many. I have not voted for a Republican or Democratic candidate for the POTUS since 1992. People complain I waste my vote but often times those same people do not vote in local elections or for local referendums. I do. I firmly believe that people who currently hold the right and power to vote who do not partake in the voting process in their local community give away their right to complain, whine, moan or otherwise ***** about the results. Holding to principles means nothing if you dont take the oppurtunity to practice them.

I've listened to people complain about the results of local referendums to increase the sales tax to statewide votes on allowing gay men and women the right to marry. In most cases the people who complain never even bothered to vote. In my eyes, they have no reason to complain. If they couldn't even bother themselves to exercise the oppurtunity given to them why should anyone else on their behalf. There are some legitimate reasons for not voting, but those reasons seldom apply.

Also, in the States we still have a living memory of those who fought and risked their lives to just be able to hold this simple right to vote. To listen to many people, increasingly of a younger age, be dismissive of this is somewhat disheartening. I do think that we have many problems in this country with who gets to be "in power" but removing oneself wholesale from the process is hardly of any good and truly removes oneself from actually providing any solutions to any problems. The presidential election, which usually garners the most political participation, is still decided by a bare majority of eligible voters.

Even though I do participate, I do get that feeling I'm being hit with a pie every time. Though now I realize its not so much the process itself but the increasing laziness of my fellow Americans who are too self-absorbed to risk anything and try to play voting off as a joke not realizing their very problem.

You should always vote. It's very important to educate yourself first, though.

I remember a poll done by the BBC in Great Britain and the United States prior to the Iraq invasion. They asked, firstly, do you support the war in Iraq - and a minority in Great Britain, but a majority in the United States, did.

Next they asked two questions first: What is the capital of Iraq, and who is its President. Then they asked only those people who got these two questions right, do you support the war in Iraq? An overwhelming majority in both countries were opposed - I believe it was more than 85% in both, but don't quote me - it's been several years.

Citizens have a responsibility not just to vote, but to vote responsibly. Firstly, you need to decide which issues are important to you.

For example, my greatest concerns are economic development and supporting the return of internally displaced refugees (Bosnians who still live in Bosnia, but have not been able to return to their homes because their home towns were conquered and are occupied by people of another faith).

Then you have to determine each party's views on this subject. Don't trust the sound bites on the news, order a copy of their party platforms and examine each. You'll never find one that completely reflects your views, but you will determine which is closest.

For example, SDP was closest for me in terms of economic development. They support entrepreneurship and privatizing all of Bosnia's state-run enterprises - actions I support. SDA was closest for me in terms of refugee returns. I'm going to vote for SDA because, for me, a family that's still living on the airport runway in Tuzla 10 years after another family took their home, and to this day celebrates the 'heroism' of the people who got it for them, is disgusting. That, to me, is a bigger issue than economic development. They've suffered enough.

Then, lastly, you look at the leader of that particular party. The leader is actually, more often than not, the weakest pawn in a party's structure. Bush, for example, probably has much less power in the US administration than those who surround him. But its still important to have a leader you can trust because, if it all goes to hell, they'll make righteous choices.

And then you vote.

gnomon said:

Participating in the political process in the States doesn't just mean voting for the President of the United States but it seems that way to many. I have not voted for a Republican or Democratic candidate for the POTUS since 1992. People complain I waste my vote but often times those same people do not vote in local elections or for local referendums. I do.

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Et tu, Gnomon?

This is just the reaction I get.

I don't vote in primaries, because I'm offended by the very idea of putting my name on any paper that associates me with any political party, but other than that, I don't miss any election.

I firmly believe that people who currently hold the right and power to vote who do not partake in the voting process in their local community give away their right to complain, whine, moan or otherwise ***** about the results. Holding to principles means nothing if you dont take the oppurtunity to practice them.

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I once went to vote and found no candidates worth voting for. I cast a blank ballot. I'm a poll manager, and the poll workers in our group are amazed by this, but there it is.

The presidential election, which usually garners the most political participation, is still decided by a bare majority of eligible voters.

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I've never understood why the best turnout is for Presidential elections, and how some people only vote for President. The effect of local and state elected officials is much greater on our daily lives. Yeah, and then there are referendums too.

Even though I do participate, I do get that feeling I'm being hit with a pie every time. Though now I realize its not so much the process itself but the increasing laziness of my fellow Americans who are too self-absorbed to risk anything and try to play voting off as a joke not realizing their very problem.

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I have a somewhat different view of this. Over the years I've watched our two major parties maneuver state election laws and the campaign environment to ensure no other views are possible. That's the pie I feel like I'm being hit with.

I vote, but I sure don't feel like I'm remotely represented by any of those people. Only the extreme views seem to get representations.

Djamila said:

Citizens have a responsibility not just to vote, but to vote responsibly. Firstly, you need to decide which issues are important to you.

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True, and then you have to see which candidate has views that match those issues best. Except none of them discuss my issues. They're too busy with piddling things that whip up their extremes on either side of the political spectrum.

For example, my greatest concerns are economic development and supporting the return of internally displaced refugees (Bosnians who still live in Bosnia, but have not been able to return to their homes because their home towns were conquered and are occupied by people of another faith).

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My top issue is fiscal responsibility. Looking at our nation's balance sheet makes it obvious why that's so. I'm also interested in issues like a living wage, reforming our immigration policies and INS, moving education into this century, environmental issues, in no particular order.

And I find no one...NO ONE...addressing ANY of those in any meaningful way. NO ONE, not ANYWHERE in this country. Nada. Nil. Not on the ballot.

Then you have to determine each party's views on this subject. Don't trust the sound bites on the news, order a copy of their party platforms and examine each. You'll never find one that completely reflects your views, but you will determine which is closest.

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Party platforms are not very useful in our system. You have to look at candidates. And then you have to call their campaign headquarters and pretend to be something your not and see the reaction you get, and you find out what bloody liars they are. Here in Georgia we have any number of "stealth candidates" -- they pretend to be one thing, but when you call the office and pretend to be a white fundamentalist "Christian" boy it's just fascinating what malarky they admit to believing. Obviously, I'm not voting for anyone who wants to proselytize to my children in school or who thinks I'm a member of an evil cult. Too bad they can't be upfront about their bigotry, but gosh, they couldn't get elected if they were.

Then, lastly, you look at the leader of that particular party. The leader is actually, more often than not, the weakest pawn in a party's structure. Bush, for example, probably has much less power in the US administration than those who surround him. But its still important to have a leader you can trust because, if it all goes to hell, they'll make righteous choices.

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I haven't seen a national leader I could trust since Jimmy Carter. And while he's an honest guy, that doesn't make him competent as President. I'd say he's the best ex-President we've ever had, though.

[/rant]

Gee, can ya tell I'm just a tad disillusioned with our politics?

I think it's normal to feel that way, Booko. You just can't let it get you down or cause you to give up.

its no good complaining if you distance yourself from the way your country is run , at least your one vote is your protest agianst or your agreement with government and dont forget local issues with council elections etc

Djamila said:

I think it's normal to feel that way, Booko. You just can't let it get you down or cause you to give up.

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That's why I keep voting anyway. I'm a stubborn old bird.

And it's why I work as a poll manager. If I'm not willing to work to make the system better where I can, then I can hardly complain, eh?

kai said:

its no good complaining if you distance yourself from the way your country is run , at least your one vote is your protest agianst or your agreement with government and dont forget local issues with council elections etc

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Exactly! We have important propositions that come up.

Council elections, well, I've never been on the "right" side of one of those yet. I still vote for 'em, though. And at least on that level, I actually know the candidates...personally. I run into them on account of the environmental work I do in my area.

Et tu, Gnomon?

This is just the reaction I get.

I don't vote in primaries, because I'm offended by the very idea of putting my name on any paper that associates me with any political party, but other than that, I don't miss any election.

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In the primaries I'm usually more interested in what questions are being asked to be put on the ballot. I admit I teeter on the voting for lesser evil concept. I don't usually buy it and tend to hold respect for people who participate but don't vote.

I once went to vote and found no candidates worth voting for. I cast a blank ballot. I'm a poll manager, and the poll workers in our group are amazed by this, but there it is.

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That's great.

I've never understood why the best turnout is for Presidential elections, and how some people only vote for President. The effect of local and state elected officials is much greater on our daily lives. Yeah, and then there are referendums too.

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I believe that Americans are completely caught up in the concept that the President is the man in charge and give the position more credit and power than is due. It's so much easier for people to believe that one person should be able to represent their views and thus change or create legislation to fit those views. It's a scary observation and may not have any merit. I don't know. As far as the little attention received locally this may be something which varies from region to region.

I have a somewhat different view of this. Over the years I've watched our two major parties maneuver state election laws and the campaign environment to ensure no other views are possible. That's the pie I feel like I'm being hit with.

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That's a valid point. I still think are very few excuses for people not voting or, since voting is not the only means by participating in the political process, somehow engaging in the community.

I vote, but I sure don't feel like I'm remotely represented by any of those people. Only the extreme views seem to get representations.

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That too may be the case but it leaves an even greater oppurtunity for those long-term extremists in office to stay there. Which brings up the idea of voting to essentially place a no vote.

The recent primary in Georgia was the first one where I and few coworkers of mine voted to essentially keep a candidate off the ballot in the general election. It was the first time I actually engaged in the process of voting for the lesser of two evils as so many people put it. I also was able to teach my coworkers that just because they were registered Democrats did not mean they could not vote in the Republican primary.

I wonder how many other people in Georgia voted specifically against Ralph Reed rather than for any other candidate. However, I don't see this supposed strategy being anywhere useful or acceptable come the presidential election two years from now. I admit my pessimism and I probably feel so strongly about the voting process because so many of our other rights are eroded or essentially gone.

Maybe I'm under the illusion of possessing some sort of control. They really should put none of the above as a voting option. If no one is qualified then no one gets the position.

gnomon said:

That too may be the case but it leaves an even greater oppurtunity for those long-term extremists in office to stay there. Which brings up the idea of voting to essentially place a no vote.

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The two parties do take notice when significant numbers of votes go to third party candidates. I've been known to vote third party just to "send a message" to the guys who are actually going to get elected. I find that far more useful than not voting at all.

The recent primary in Georgia was the first one where I and few coworkers of mine voted to essentially keep a candidate off the ballot in the general election. It was the first time I actually engaged in the process of voting for the lesser of two evils as so many people put it.

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I voted in the recent primary too, which for me is a rare thing. It wouldn't surprise me if we were voting to prevent the same candidate from getting on the ballot. My distaste of putting my name on a paper with a party on it was weaker than the danger presented by this person having a chance to get into office.

I also was able to teach my coworkers that just because they were registered Democrats did not mean they could not vote in the Republican primary.

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We dread primaries, because we always always have to spend time explaining to voters that they can pick any party they want, it doesn't matter if they belong to a different party, and it doesn't mean voting for a party's primary means they become a member of that party of even agree with them.

I wonder how many other people in Georgia voted specifically against Ralph Reed rather than for any other candidate.

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I can name probably 100 just off the top of my head.

However, I don't see this supposed strategy being anywhere useful or acceptable come the presidential election two years from now. I admit my pessimism and I probably feel so strongly about the voting process because so many of our other rights are eroded or essentially gone.

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No, as usual the money will do the talking in that race. And whoever wins, it will be the money that's behind them as well.

Maybe I'm under the illusion of possessing some sort of control. They really should put none of the above as a voting option. If no one is qualified then no one gets the position.

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Well, we do have a slight modicum of control. Remember the Dubai ports deal and how fast that got scuttled? Not that they didn't sneak it in again elsewhere, but it does show they actually have to pay attention to voters sometimes.

Now imagine what would happen if our apathetic fellows all stood up and said something and voted accordingly.

The current oligarchy depends on our apathy.

Homey just don't play dat.

I think I agree just about completely with you, Booko. I'm truly hoping there's a candidate who is not one of them (standard Democratic or Republican hack) or some space boy (usual independant) in the next presidential election. Someone whose primary goal is to show people that the office should not have as much power as "we the people" have given to it.

I'll keep voting and keep pushing people but unless the established political representatives are kicked out or shaken up it may all be for naught. Yes, did I tell everyone I'm also paranoid.

As to a final note on the OP: Dont complain unless you do something. Reading international news and sipping latte's at the local cafe is not political participation. Either vote or engage in the community by some means but don't just complain about it. The reason we get the government we deserve is through ignorance and apathy.

Heya Sharon,

Sharon said:

I can't remember the last time I voted for a Presidential candidate that was on the ballot. I've written in candidates for years, because I thought them more worthy of the position than any of my so-called "choices."

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Many of the smaller parties over here try and encourage random supporters to stand in their local elections just so that they at least appear on the ballot paper. I utterly disagree that parties should have to pay out money or be of a certain popularity before they can be written on the ballot paper.

Whilst what you are doing might not be a very recognised way of voicing your opinion, it really should be recognised if we want to call either of our countries a democracy.

I see a big difference between doing this and not voting since if you do not vote at all, it makes it impossible for your views to be factored into the democracy.

And yes, that gives me complainin' rights.

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I feel you have the right to complain regardless of whether you vote or not (freedom of speech and all that). I just view complaining about something whilst doing nothing to change it about as pointful as not complaining about it in the first place. Not that I wish to imply this is what you are doing but if I care about something so little that I cannot find the time or energy to do something about it, then I personally feel that I make the world a little happier by keeping my mouth shut.

Sharon said:

But even so, there are always propositions here and there. Do they not have such things in the UK, or is it entirely left to Parliament?

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There is occasionally talk of referendums. I haven't paid much attention since I've only just reached voting age and I don't really care about, for example, ID cards. If ID cards were implemented, I had passed up a chance to vote on them and now I found myself paying huge tax bills then the only thing I would be complaining about was my own stupidity in having not voted.

Fluffy said:

I am not sure I completely understand you. Are you saying that you do not vote because you do not care at all about politics or because you see no difference between the candidates?

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Both of those. The first is mostly a consequence of the second.

drekmed said:

Well, in 2000, if 538 people in Florida (the entire state) that didn't vote had voted for Al Gore, we would have had a different president. So really while 1 vote may not seem important, it could be.

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But I myself couldn't influence 538 people even if I tried. And I would only try if it was something the outcome of which I felt was majorly important- in which case the whole thing would most probably turn out ok anyway, since everybody else would vote and make sure nothing drastically terrible happens.

drekmed said:

So I feel that if you don't vote you shouldn't complain, because by not voting you choose not to voice your opinion on who should be making the laws.

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How am I in any way 'voicing my opinion' by voting?? It's a secret ballot! If I wished to voice my opinion truthfully I would go to Hyde Park Corner or a similar public place and actually tell as many people as possible about it.

drekmed said:

Also, there are many laws in the US that must be voted on by the general public, these are usually on the ballot during a big election, by not going to the polls to vote, you miss the chance of voice your opinion on the law itself, if they have the same thing where you are.

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Yes but pretty much the same thing applies- I'm not going to change the outcome unless I campaign publicly to change enough people's minds, and even then I doubt anybody would listen to me, and if it was important enough for me to want to campaign about it in the first place then the vote would probably go the way I wanted it anyway- I don't see any reason why I would disagree with the majority of the public strongly enough for this scenario to exist.

drekmed said:

Of course, right now, you're free to say and complain about whatever you like, but if you don't exercise your right to vote who's to say how long that might last.

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Are you suggesting that if I myself do not vote, there is a chance that a party might come into power who bans basic freedoms as generally guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? This is ridiculous.

drekmed said:

What will you do then?

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Probably the same as everybody else, if I hold their views on it. Thus making my position once more impotent.

gnomon said:

I firmly believe that people who currently hold the right and power to vote who do not partake in the voting process in their local community give away their right to complain, whine, moan or otherwise ***** about the results. Holding to principles means nothing if you dont take the oppurtunity to practice them.

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This is only correct if one's 'principle' is to vote. If one's principle is something political or depending on politics, then voting is not actually practising it.

gnomon said:

I've listened to people complain about the results of local referendums to increase the sales tax to statewide votes on allowing gay men and women the right to marry. In most cases the people who complain never even bothered to vote. In my eyes, they have no reason to complain. If they couldn't even bother themselves to exercise the oppurtunity given to them why should anyone else on their behalf. There are some legitimate reasons for not voting, but those reasons seldom apply.

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So would I also not be justified in complaining about a pop star's lifestyle, since I could excersie my opportunity to go and stand outside his house or send him a letter telling him to stop taking drugs? Considering that my actions here would cause effectively nothing, it is analogous to the politics situation.

gnomon said:

Also, in the States we still have a living memory of those who fought and risked their lives to just be able to hold this simple right to vote. To listen to many people, increasingly of a younger age, be dismissive of this is somewhat disheartening.

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Imagine there was a big war and my compatriots fought for the right to own and maintain pot plants. These pot plants contribute, in however small a fashion, to keeping oxygen and carbon dioxide levels balanced in the world.

However, I choose not to own a pot plant. I can't be bothered filling out the registration forms for a pot plant permit and watering it often, making sure it gets sunlight etc. [even though admittedly this does not have to be done often]. Why do people criticise me for not owning one? Just because somebody fought for my right to own one does not mean I should purposely get one, just to somehow retroactively justify the war.

gnomon said:

Even though I do participate, I do get that feeling I'm being hit with a pie every time. Though now I realize its not so much the process itself but the increasing laziness of my fellow Americans who are too self-absorbed to risk anything and try to play voting off as a joke not realizing their very problem.

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I think democracy in this country works even though I myself choose not to vote- I don't believe I make a difference in this matter. I further believe that if everyone in the country suddenly decided to vote voluntarily, then no election outcomes would be any different whatsoever. I believe this because I think the proportion of the country that does vote is representative of the country as a whole.

Djamila said:

Citizens have a responsibility not just to vote, but to vote responsibly.

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This implies that there is a 'right way' to vote, thus making democracy futile!

Djamila said:

SDA was closest for me in terms of refugee returns. I'm going to vote for SDA because, for me, a family that's still living on the airport runway in Tuzla 10 years after another family took their home, and to this day celebrates the 'heroism' of the people who got it for them, is disgusting. That, to me, is a bigger issue than economic development. They've suffered enough.

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I get sick of Tony Blair allowing Creationism to be taught in schools for the sole reason that Peter Vardy has lots of money. I think this is a disguting episode of England today. However, I really really believe that me voting against Tony Blair will have zero point zero percent effect on this.

Booko said:

True, and then you have to see which candidate has views that match those issues best. Except none of them discuss my issues. They're too busy with piddling things that whip up their extremes on either side of the political spectrum.

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I would say that they are too busy with the issues that are likely to get them elected, since power corrupts and they lose sight of any issues they may once have deemed 'important.'

Booko said:

And I find no one...NO ONE...addressing ANY of those in any meaningful way. NO ONE, not ANYWHERE in this country. Nada. Nil. Not on the ballot.

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Because they are not yet issues that get people elected!

Booko said:

Gee, can ya tell I'm just a tad disillusioned with our politics?

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You should be!

Djamila said:

I think it's normal to feel that way, Booko. You just can't let it get you down or cause you to give up.

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Don't listen to her, Booko!

kai said:

its no good complaining if you distance yourself from the way your country is run , at least your one vote is your protest agianst or your agreement with government and dont forget local issues with council elections etc

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If I wanted to protest I would protest, and I would do it vocally in a way that shows I am attempting to actually make a credible difference. If I agree then there is no reason to do anything, unless I want to protest for them, in which case I would.

gnomon said:

Maybe I'm under the illusion of possessing some sort of control. They really should put none of the above as a voting option. If no one is qualified then no one gets the position.

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We should be able to vote against democracy. I'm joking, btw.

Booko said:

The two parties do take notice when significant numbers of votes go to third party candidates. I've been known to vote third party just to "send a message" to the guys who are actually going to get elected. I find that far more useful than not voting at all.

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Seriously Booko, if you want to "send a message" then it's much more logical to do it in a way that means they know they have received one.

gnomon said:

As to a final note on the OP: Dont complain unless you do something. Reading international news and sipping latte's at the local cafe is not political participation. Either vote or engage in the community by some means but don't just complain about it. The reason we get the government we deserve is through ignorance and apathy.

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But anything that I can do is totally ineffectual! Only one-to-many or many-to-many media can actually affect voting outcomes. I dont care which government I get because: a) they will all be fundamentally the same; and b) I can't change it anyway. And I hate coffee, almost as much as I hate international news.

And I'm not American, so I don't know what 'Primaries' are either. I thank you all for your replies.

Fluffy said:

I feel you have the right to complain regardless of whether you vote or not (freedom of speech and all that). I just view complaining about something whilst doing nothing to change it about as pointful as not complaining about it in the first place. Not that I wish to imply this is what you are doing but if I care about something so little that I cannot find the time or energy to do something about it, then I personally feel that I make the world a little happier by keeping my mouth shut.

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For me, complaining is pretty much as ineffectual as voting, except the whole point of complaining is to relieve anger; it's therapeutic.

Fluffy said:

There is occasionally talk of referendums. I haven't paid much attention since I've only just reached voting age and I don't really care about, for example, ID cards. If ID cards were implemented, I had passed up a chance to vote on them and now I found myself paying huge tax bills then the only thing I would be complaining about was my own stupidity in having not voted.

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So are you saying that you would not have had to pay those bills, had you voted? This is incorrect. I don't see any point in voting against something just for the principle of having the 'right to complain' if it gets passed.

stemann said:

For me, complaining is pretty much as ineffectual as voting, except the whole point of complaining is to relieve anger; it's therapeutic.

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I am uncertain about the exact psychological effects of taking such a course of therapy. I know it would not work for me but if it does for you then that is cool.

However, you must realise that when somebody complains, any other person will automatically try and find the most efficient solution to the complaints. I'm sure if it became apparent to them that you were not complaining because you didn't like something but refused to do anything about it but you were complaining merely as a way of dealing with your anger then, being more enlightened of your motives, they would have less of a problem with your decision not to vote yet still complain.

stemann said:

So are you saying that you would not have had to pay those bills, had you voted? This is incorrect. I don't see any point in voting against something just for the principle of having the 'right to complain' if it gets passed.

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I am saying that there is no point in getting angry over something that either I cannot change or I cannot be bothered to change. In this example, if I could not be bothered to vote or attempt to get what I want in some other way then I have nobody to complain about but myself. If I voted but the vote went against me then complaining is still pointless since I can continue to campaign for what I want. If I felt that an issue was beyond my control and I was powerless to face it then the more healthy option would be to accept it as an inevitable part of my life rather than try and oppose it which would be, by definition, futile.