The Vanishing Male Voter

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  • Posted By: wyomingite @ 10/17/2008 12:20:43 PM

    Some of these posts are shocking. I'm referring to the posts that attempt to justify not voting. I guess I should rethink my disdain for their ineptitude and sloth. Perhaps it IS best they stay home and watch Jerry Springer or Pro Wrestling. Just because a choice between two candidates is not ideal (that is neither candidate fulfills your hopes and dreams) does not mean that there is not a choice. A choice between mediocre and terrible is still a choice.

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:51:57 PM

      mediocre? neither of these two rise that high. Hillary rocks

    • Posted By: Clarkus @ 10/17/2008 12:36:36 PM

      Exactly it is a choice and I choose not to vote. It is after all a free country.

      • Posted By: Not_Rich @ 10/17/2008 12:45:27 PM

        Well Clarkus, it kind of makes it hard to complain about the people in power then,doesn't it? When you choose not to play the game you know what that makes you, the loser by default.

        • Posted By: Clarkus @ 10/17/2008 1:11:48 PM

          Good point Rich, I understand that if I CHOOSE not to take part then I can not complain about the outcome, which I don't , all I'm saying is we as Americans have the right to choose to vote or not, so people like my self who choose not to vote should not be put down or made to feel like we have done something wrong. I appreciate where you are coming from but to me the losers are the people who put down others for their choices.

    • Posted By: Iconoblaster @ 10/17/2008 12:40:41 PM

      I don't agree that it is automatically a GOOD THING if everyone votes... some people elect NOT to vote on principle (as with a certain honored American who said "I don't vote for politicians. It only encourages them"), some because they see no difference in voting one way or the other, some because they have no active interest in (and likely, therefore, little knowledge about) politics. Do we really want to consider voting such a DUTY that even those who have no interest or knowledge about the issues should do it? Where is the wisdom in that?

      I think its just the other way around. Those with an interest in the issues, especially those who have some relevant knowledge, do not need to be "encouraged" to vote....they do so on their own volition. Those who do NOT have such interest or knowledge are unlikely to contribute wise choices... nobody should be barred from voting, but its silly to argue that encouraging the ignorant and the disinterested to vote will improve the results of elections.

    • Posted By: Clarkus @ 10/17/2008 12:33:50 PM

      Exactly a choice is a choice and I choose not take part in the election, after all this is a free country and I have the right not to vote!

  • Posted By: Trajan @ 10/17/2008 1:10:45 PM

    I???m a man and I enjoy voting. I have voted since 1976 and I feel like part of the process, even though that???s not really true. I am the eternal optimist, but most men are not. I believe most men check out of voting like they check out of a lot of things. It???s a simply a question of laziness and disillusionment. Some men feel powerless to control the world they live in, so they just give up. That would explain why men die sooner. When their dreams die, they soon follow.

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:49:17 PM

      I will vote, but with absolutely no enthusiasm.

    • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 2:59:18 PM

      I think, Trajan, that your comment says in simple eloquence truths about males many do not wish to embrace or even acknowlege. Right now many in the US come out ahead by attacking males, and letting them die young, rather than by nuturing them.. Make no mistake, they know exactly what they are doing.

      LawyerDad

    • Posted By: Design Tech @ 10/17/2008 1:47:57 PM

      Must be around the same age. I'm a white male, and voted in every election since the mid 70's. Predominantly democratic, but by no means exclusively. Does my vote make a difference? Maybe not. What do they say about doing the same thing repeatedly, and expecting a different outcome? I was fortunately taught that a lot of people died for me to have this privilege. Fact is, we're all human. We make choices and we make mistakes. I have to believe that most folks want to do what's right. They're just guessing most of the time. Maybe a truckload of money will fix the problem - maybe it will make it worse. I don't know the answer, and if history is any indication no one else does either. If we keep trying long enough maybe we'll learn something along the way. However, failure to participate for whatever reason is a cop out. You work long hours - vote absentee. You're ineligible to vote - volunteer for a candidate. You're disgusted with the choices - run for office. We are all part of the social contract, or as Buckminster Fuller said, "On spaceship Earth there are no passengers."

      • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 2:55:21 PM

        I agree, Design Tech. Well said.

        LawyerDad

  • Posted By: cchristen51 @ 10/17/2008 1:13:25 PM

    The real reason fewer and fewer men are voting is our inherit lack of trust. Why should we vote for a person who refuses to tell us the truth about what they will really do when elected. Women are much more gullable. For me, why vote if the person you are voting for isn't going to do what they say they are going to do. Spent millions of my money to say whatever it takes to get elected and then ignore what they promised, ignore what the citizens want and do whatever it takes to get elelcted again. What;s the point of voting

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:48:43 PM

      you've got to vote for whomever can work with congress, because that';s how the system is set up

    • Posted By: Not_Rich @ 10/17/2008 1:41:05 PM

      Why do they lie to get elected, we expect them to, we accept it as part of the process. Why? Why do we accept it? When they get into office and do the opposite of what they said, why aren't the people flooding their office with letters and phone calls? Why don't we call them out on in at their town meetings? Why don't we encourage and support their opposition when their term is up? Listen up, that's what elections are for folks. If our "representatives" aren't doing what we want them to do, we're supposed to vote them out. That's our civic duty, our part in guiding the country. If we fail to do our part, don't get out and vote, do nothingbut sit around and complain, the condition of our government and our country is as much our fault as theirs.

  • Posted By: dmihailescu @ 10/17/2008 3:47:40 PM

    Most importantly, the women are the target of many laws that would give them extra benefits against the men. Voting for your own benefit is more enticing.

  • Posted By: FrankAll @ 10/17/2008 1:36:33 PM

    I feel it is quite obvious why men have quit voting. I am a 52 year old male college graduate who quit voting 12 yrs ago. Nobody addresses OUR issues. When was the last time ANY politician addressed issues affecting middle class, middle aged males? They are always courting the female vote of all races and the minority vote. As a (single/divorced/caucasian/father) white male who raised his children without the presence of their mother I am offended that WE are the targets of all the ill's of society. Hear about deadbeat dad's, when was the last time we heard about deadbeat mom's. Hear about the all white "boy's club", etc. etc. I come from a mixed race family and am not prejudiced. I get up every day go to work, raise my children, etc., and anyone can tell you there are more men like me in society than not. Nobody addresses our issues and we are not the villian. THAT IS WHY WE DON'T VOTE.

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:46:54 PM

      Hillary did, but the party elites were afraid and jealous of her

    • Posted By: FrankAll @ 10/17/2008 1:58:31 PM

      Post by LawyerDad echo's my sentiments EXACTLY.

      • Posted By: jscs @ 10/17/2008 3:10:03 PM

        Wow. Could it be that American men are becoming whiny and spineless and a vote requires some thought, research, reading, and pro-active movement? Because these two guys sure wouldn't get much of my sympathy over a beer. Obama is a leader... maybe that intimidates you?

        • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 3:42:46 PM

          I don't think American men are whiny or spineless. Many are strong and self made. They shoulder too many heavy logs, for too long, and are too strong for it, to be so. Many pay a lot of bills, raise children, create wealth and good health, and provide for those they love. They are stronger than many might give them credit for, considering their successes even against so many forces pushing the other way. It may take more strength than you realize to get a good job, keep it, buy a home, raise children, provide for the future, and do so for 30 years in a row. Have you done it? Have you even started? I suspect not. Males like that have no fear of somene like Obama. Perhaps you are referring to a different group of males.

          As for you, jscs, males who are strong and self made, and there are many, wouldn't have much interest in someone with your attitudes, whether over beer or not. Obviously you keep company with a different set of men. Good luck.

          LawyerDad

    • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 2:04:41 PM

      I agree entirely.

      I, too, am a single dad, aged 58, who is raising 3 kids, with all the tides against me. I even pay substantial alimony every month to my ex, and support her, who had everything going for her, even though she was the one I caught with a married man in my bedroom, and she was the one who demanded a divorce, not me. Seems odd I should be the one depended upon to support her mischief and freedom, but that's the way our system works these days.

      I work long and hard to pay my bills and obligations. I don't have time to be a dilettante, to have fun or pleasure, to indulge my own needs or my ego, or even to take time of or vacations. Apparently many others in our society have much more open and elective choice over how they use their time than I.

      As for dads and men who indulge in self gratification, as one commentator alludes to, I would suggest that they are either self centered - and they may be - or they have given up on trying to satifying demands on them from all directions that they do not have the strength, talent, intelligence, or energy to satisfy. For I suggest no one can. This is not the sign of a society healthy for males.

      LawyerDad

  • Posted By: revolution#9 @ 10/17/2008 1:51:14 PM

    I understand that voting is 'our civic duty" , as is holding a position in public office. In saying that, once these clowns(politicians) start doing 'their civic duty', I'll do mine!

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:46:18 PM

      I see little hope for our political system

  • Posted By: tiredofextremes @ 10/17/2008 2:19:25 PM

    I believe every male man should be out there fighting for what's his, at least by registering and voting. However, with the women's lib movement all but declaring men as worth nothing more than a genetic donor for the last couple of decades, it's not hard to understand why man men feel disenfranchised. No one really wants to hear our opinions. In any case, as the male half of my household, I will vote to stand up for what I believe in, as does my wife.

    I believe that both parties have it wrong. One's extremists want to see little regulation, the other wants to re-distribute wealth from those who make most of it to those who make less of it. Taxes are necessary, but I still believe in a free market society that has basic safeguards and oversight, more along the lines of what FDR once fought for, not the bloated welfare roles of today. Both parties have robbed from social security, medicare/medicaid, and all of the other things that FDR fought for, so that now all of these programs are in danger. Sometimes I think a strong third party of centrists would be good for the country since both parties are controlled from the fringe.

  • Posted By: Steelpedler @ 10/17/2008 2:21:59 PM

    I think many men have already figured out that it doesn't matter who gets elected. If there was a viable 3rd party candidate that really would get rid of the status quo, I would vote.

    Look at the major problems we have in this country and all both sides do is say their side isn't responsible and blame the other. We've known foreign energy dependance has been a threat for over 30 years, and virtually nothing has been done about it. Health care has ben a major issue for over 20 years. What's been done? On both of these issues the lobbiests and other interests, who stood to loose power and money if things changed, bought the Congress through above board and probably below board payments. Dispite signs even an uneducated person could pick up on, the government completely ignored or hid the fact we were heading for a major meltown of the financial system. Even relatively smaller issues show the incompetncy of government. In 2000 many problems with the integrety of the voting system in this country were brought to light. From what I've been reading, they're still not fixed. We could go on and on.

    Meanwhile, our standard of living decreases, jobs go overseas, world confidence in the US continues to decline, etc.

    The two present candidates, as good as their intentions may be, will be stymied by the entrenched system that controls the money and power and will not want to see it be threatened. As soon as a candidate comes along that has a chance of cleaning house in Washington, watching cartoons is a better use of my time than voting. At least it makes me laugh.

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 3:45:03 PM

      i couldn't agree with you more, a 3rd party of MODERATES is exactly what we need. The radical liberals have taken the democratic party hostage, as have the radical conservatives taken the republican. Hillary would have represented all of us, but Pelosi was jealous and bitch slapped her out of the race.

    • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 2:40:16 PM

      I agree.

      My hope is that the anger of the electorate will throw out the entire House and 1/3 of the Senate in the election. If so, maybe these long festering, important issues, will finally be faced.

      In the meantime, there is a looming possibility that US males may decide to vote with their feet,. It's hard to stay in a soceity that is hostile to you, day in and day out, that's slowly killing you, when other countries offer men a better way of life and treat them better. I saw that when I was older and worked overseas. This view may transfer to new generations as we speak. My 2 boys, for example, are in the midst of the glory years of high school when strength, poise, excellent in sports, leadership, and academic excellence can be well rewarded, but they are becoming less than enthusiastic about living in the US when they are bombarded by media messages hostile to men, and see how the US treats men during their working years. After a certain point they will make their own way, as have we all.

      LawyerDad

  • Posted By: Omnius @ 10/17/2008 10:35:21 AM

    I sure hope that the dimwit males that vote for the repugnant ones stay home and just chill out so that Barack Obama wins by a landslide. Considering that men tend to vote for the worst possible candidates, namely republicans, let them stay home. I hope lots of women vote so that we get the change we can believe in.

    • Posted By: DiscipleBBA @ 10/17/2008 3:39:53 PM

      Maybe not now, but once upon a time, I bet you were a pretty, slim, mini skirt wearing female that God commanded in his word to you, the (wo-man), to your place he intended for you as one who should submit to the Stronger of his creation, who is your superior in all respects. Now that you no longer have beauty, nor brains, your most likely are walling in fat and self pity, but a vote for Obama can't help you.

    • Posted By: News and Notes @ 10/17/2008 11:53:57 AM

      I never read such far reaching insults in so few words. You managed to offend just about everyone; except the most far left, angry, elite, self-righteous, hypocritical, close minded, radical Obama supporters

    • Posted By: tiredofextremes @ 10/17/2008 10:40:07 AM

      So are you basically saying that you're sexist, that you hate males, and that you're a bitter partisan?

      • Posted By: RandyHiggins @ 10/17/2008 10:44:05 AM

        I think I detect a touch of satire in Omnius, maybe an attempt to be a bit provocative?

        • Posted By: tiredofextremes @ 10/17/2008 11:04:26 AM

          I hope so, I hope this person isn't that hateful. It didn't sound like satire, but I do hope so. Because if not, I fear for her husband's life.

  • Posted By: Shamika @ 10/17/2008 1:29:54 PM

    The reality behind a vote for Palin. http://www.bpmdeejays.com/upload/hs_sal_in_Harlem_100108.mp3
    Can you handle the TRUTH? Open your ears and HEAR what Obama supporters see about Palin :-)

    • Posted By: DiscipleBBA @ 10/17/2008 2:38:04 PM

      Truth is, this site don't work, it's like most Obama supporters. I can tell, you are one of them. I am laughing, Truth hurts only those who are uninformed about most things and it's not only confined to this contest .
      Winning is one thing, performing is another, most novices are just that, novices. Nothing more, nothing less. The Electoral Collage and the press will have the final say, that the truth of the matter.

      • Posted By: jscs @ 10/17/2008 3:11:36 PM

        Disciple... do you know how to write in proper English? Certainly explains how you could consider a vote for McCain a positive thing if you can't read or write.

  • Posted By: jld1501 @ 10/17/2008 2:34:21 PM

    Let's see, this year we have a gutless old man and a socalist fool running to lead our country!! What difference does it make? Voting for them only encourages them. I will not waste my time trying to decide between being hanged or being shot!!

    • Posted By: jscs @ 10/17/2008 3:06:46 PM

      Well let's see... since you think we have a socialist fool running for President, you don't know the issues. Or what socialism is. At all. Which makes you part of the problem.

  • Posted By: cgb777 @ 10/17/2008 2:57:14 PM

    I thought that Obama did not advertise in Grand Theft Auto as he was a strong critic of it upon its release last April. I think he advertised only in Burnout Paradise and Madden. It would seem to be antithetical to his campaign to advertise in something like GTA.

  • Posted By: ADELFAPINEDA @ 10/17/2008 2:47:39 PM

    EL GRAN OBAMA PRESIDENTE 2008-14 El GOBIERNO DE LA DIPLOMACIA INTERNACIONAL. con (Cuba, Venezuela, Nuevo País patria Libre Independiente, y países del Medio Oriente), serán incluidos en la integración diplomática y respeto como nació. Después del debate, en donde fue definitivo, quedo claro, el perfil, visionario y las características de OBAMA PRESIDENTE 2008-14, que sacara de la crisis económica a los EE.UU y la región. OBAMA PRESIDENTE 2008-14 aplicara políticas de gobierno organizado, los mercados y la competencia, serán métodos que se enmarque en modelos económicos, dirigidos por los economistas (analistas y especialistas), y los métodos administrativos serán de expertos, de manera que el modelo conlleve una forma efectiva de llevar a la región al desarrollo económico, social, y cultural, en donde: prime el respeto y el equilibrio estado-el mercado, Que converja en beneficio de la sociedad y encamine todos los esfuerzos sincronizados de manera que se pueda erradicar la pobreza, erradicar la cultura de violencia, guerra y corrupción, 1ADELFA PINEDA TRANSPARENCIA Y ÉTICA: Por el Desarrollo del País; Dignidad Publica,:. 1

  • Posted By: crescentmoon @ 10/17/2008 2:46:37 PM

    To the person who stated that the fear of "jury duty" keeps so people from voting, I know in TX years ago that was the case for some, before it was linked to your id/license. I am unsure if any states still do that. My husband is one of those males that did not vote until the last election for the first time. He was raised by very politically minded parents but he was just set on his own personal goals and politics did not mean anything to him. Now middle aged, there are topics that he would like to be addressed and has become active in reading about and watching politics. I would guess that there are many more like him. I have 3 boys, one of which is of voting age, and has a very vocal voice and will vote in this election and my other son will be able to vote by the next election, but as of now he shows no interest and reminds me of my husband. My guess is there are MANY reasons men and people in general do not vote.

  • Posted By: crescentmoon @ 10/17/2008 2:43:01 PM

    To the person who stated that the fear of "jury duty" keeps so people from voting, I know in TX years ago that was the case for some, before it was linked to your id/license. I am unsure if any states still do that. My husband is one of those males that did not vote until the last election for the first time. He was raised by very politically minded parents but he was just set on his own personal goals and politics did not mean anything to him. Now middle aged, there are topics that he would like to be addressed and has become active in reading about and watching politics. I would guess that there are many more like him. I have 3 boys, one of which is of voting age, and has a very vocal voice and will vote in this election and my other son will be able to vote by the next election, but as of now he shows no interest and reminds me of my husband. My guess is there are MANY reasons men and people in general do not vote.

  • Posted By: wilyum @ 10/17/2008 2:41:54 PM

    Am I to understand that a guy thing includes going to prison for a felony, going to war, and just dying sooner? That is the implication asserted and it is preposterous. Despite the interest in this topic generated by this article I found this article disheartening. A parting question: Did the pols take into account Absentee ballots?

  • Posted By: Lady Marion @ 10/17/2008 2:37:50 PM

    just on page 1 so far ..there are more women than men. Who does the marketing research say? Cast a poll and find out ... I could get very derogatory here and say ask Spitzer. , .. exactly how many men are there registered to vote in the uS of A?

  • Posted By: OmiSan @ 10/17/2008 2:34:14 PM

    I think it is because by the time politicians reach the national level they are i n bed with every crook and special interest group that will give them money. It does not matter if it is a Dem. crook or a Rep. crook that gets into office both are crooks. If they deny it then they are a crook and a liar.

  • Posted By: WorkingMom21 @ 10/17/2008 2:30:36 PM

    RE DESIGN TECH-

    HOORAY FOR YOU, your comments are the smartest thing posted here.

  • Posted By: politsofty @ 10/17/2008 2:20:54 PM

    I would rather havesoft politics than to listen to what sounds like the devil spewing hate. stop talking against the other guy and prove your own ideals.
    for lawyer dad, maybe you spend more time to your 1st marriage, your job.

    • Posted By: LawyerDad @ 10/17/2008 2:29:20 PM

      Perhaps you are right.

      If I worked long hours, it was because we spent a lot, needed a lot, and couldn't afford to lose our jobs.

      On the other hand, in the end, it's clear that what she wanted was to play, and for me to pay for it. That is what she got. I could not stop the divorce. Seems we are almost indulging these days in role reversals from the 1950's and 1960's days, except men like me now hold down full time jobs in addition to raising the family. That;'s not the way it was in the 1950's and 1960's - I lived through it - although it's probably fun to fantasize that..

      LawyerDad

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