Posted by
Jimmy Carter on Friday, July 25, 2008 3:52:20 PM
"Things" either have value or no value. "Things" that have value, generally speaking, have been earned. The more one has to earn a "thing," the greater the value of it. "Things" that have value, and those without value for that matter, can be observed and measured.
Friendship is an excellent "thing" to observe and measure the amount of value it has depending on the actions of the friends. For example, one should be polite and courteous to their friends, but one could also be polite and courteous to strangers, acquaintances, and even their enemies. You can measure the value of a friendship by what one has done, does, and will do for that friend that they would not do for any other, because it was earned by that friend for what they have done, does, and will do for them. That's what makes the friendship special. If one were to treat anyone that comes along as they would their "friends," then that one has exhibited no value on their friendship. They just give it away. They're not friends, they're social whores.
A vote is no different than anything else. A vote is a "thing" that either has value or no value and can be observed and measured. Personally, I value my vote greatly. I don't vote in every election because not all elections have politicians that have earned my vote, and voting against someone is not earning a vote.
Numerous so-called Republicans try to "earn" my vote in so many different ways, not by convincing me with why I should vote for them, but why I should vote against the opposition. This tells me that this constituent doesn't agree with, or may not even like, their candidate, but would cast a vote for them anyway. I call these "moderate republicans" whorestituents.
Whorestituent: "If you don't vote for McCain, then that's a vote for Obama!"
Jimmy: "Really? Show me where it is written that Obama receives all the millions of votes from Americans who do not participate."
Whorestituent: "If you don't vote, then McCain will lose!"
Jimmy: "Really? That's like telling me that the Dallas Cowboys lost a game because I didn't play. Does that make any sense?
Whorestituent: "You need to vote for McCain."
Jimmy: "Really? Why? What has he done to earn my vote. I could point out more reasons why I should vote against him. You sound like a welfare recipient. 'Give me your money and I promise I'll get a job tomorrow,' but in your case it is 'Give me your vote and I promise I'll be Conservative tomorrow.'"
So, the next time one of you whorestituents tells me that you spread your vote for any "John" that happens to have an (R) by their name, don't be surprised to find you haven't earned any respect from me.