Like many of you, I am fed up with our current political choices. As a result, I decided to research other candidates that are on the November 4th ballot. Ordinarily, I would go to the polls and vote a straight ticket. Stupid, I know, but I am now reformed and intend to be INformed for all future elections.
The Dallas Morning News has a candidate comparison mechanism on their web site which is extremely useful. I decided to give the Democrats a chance, comparing them to the Republicans. Guess what? They have similar polished crap as the Republicans, if crap can be polished. Out of sheer desperation, I clicked on Yvonne Schick (LIB) who is running for U.S. Senate, thinking, 'oh, what can it hurt'? As I read her answers to the questions, her views struck a chord in me. On a whim, I emailed her, basically saying what a breath of fresh air her views are. She wrote back almost immediately to thank me and said comments like mine "make the battle worthwhile". She also sent a youtube link that a supporter made for her, urging me to watch it and pass it along.
Unfortunately, in the "Related Videos" section, there was a glaring youtube about Mrs. Schick's Scientology beliefs. It is public knowledge that Scientology members have a history of infiltrating the U.S. government for the purpose of promoting the teachings and practices of Scientology. Schick is a ranking member of Scientology, Operating Thetan Level VI.
How can these people be taken seriously with titles like that? She might as well have stepped off an alien aircraft for all I know.
I debated whether to email her back or not. After all, I am a person of my word, so I felt I at least owed her an explanation. Her beliefs were not revealed on the web site and even though she may have no intention of "infiltrating" our government, she can't be trusted. Besides, if I'm now on some kind of list, I want to be crystal clear that I am not a Scientology sympathizer or supporter. So I replied back to her email thanking her for the youtube, but told her about the "other" video I uncovered. Scientology, I explained in no uncertain terms, is a deal breaker for me. Thankfully, I have not heard back.
Googling unearthed this blog post entitled "No Money, No Xenu" which humorously explains how much of a money-sucking cult this organization really is. Two girls from Manhattan went undercover out of curiosity to see if there was some merit to Scientology. All they were told over and over by recruiters was how "life altering" Scientology is, but offering no other details to substantiate their claims. Books, dvds, and other paraphernalia were foisted on them time and again, even though they repeatedly stated they had no money. Excerpt: Without the means to purchase the endless LRH (L. Ron Hubbard) endorsed products, the secrets to living a “happier” and “better” life were not available.Even though my first experience with Libertarianism was a bit of a shocker, I am still investigating their party. Libertarians seem dedicated to adhering to our Constitution, cutting government out of the private sector, and letting the free market take care of itself. This I like. It remains to be seen if I totally abandon the Republican party or not. Perhaps if I can just clear the engrams from my reactive mind. *ponders*
5 comments:
Yeah - I've considered voting "another way" as well. Not too happy with the candidates. I'm afraid of "wasting" my vote, but you know, if everyone that felt the way we do, did it, it might actually have a huge impact on the political system.
I hate the way they don't even let the other candidates participate in the debates. It seems Un-American!!! And they might actually have some good things to say!!!
Wow, I never thought of the debate aspect! So true. Why aren't they allowed to participate? I too am afraid of wasting my vote, so I most likely won't do it for the presidential election, but for Senate or judge I might. I will just make sure I'm not voting for Xenu or his Thetans!
I've always wondered why we never see other candidates in the debates. But if I remember correctly, didn't Ross Perot participate in the debates when he ran?
I also seem to remember him getting a good portion of the votes, until he flaked, dropped out, and came back later. I wasn't old enough to vote back then, but I do remember wanting to vote for him (and put my hatred of his voice aside), if only to send a message that we're sick and tired of this "two party" charade. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
That's the only 3rd party candidate I remember though. So it seems they're not barred from the debates. Maybe it's an issue of money? Or maybe they have to have a certain amount of support from potential voters?
Ahh, it's a percentage of votes thing. The Commission On Presidential Debates excludes any candidate with less than 15% voter support.
http://www.debates.org/pages/candsel2008.html
So basically it's a catch 22. The "two" parties have the most money, so everyone knows who's running in them. The other parties are likely self-funded, and thus the candidates remain largely unknown.
If they were allowed to debate with the DNC and GOP, they might actually get some much needed recognition, but with Ralph Nader being the most widely known alternate candidate only getting an average of 2-3% voter support, and the others getting even less... with regulations set forth by the debate commission, it seems impossible that we'll ever see an alternate candidate in the debates.
Unless of course they, like Ross Perot, have enough money to get the word out (via TV commercials, and the like) that they are running. That there is actually another choice of candidate.
They've apparently been thrown a bone this year, and have been given their own debate. Of course, no one knew about it. Obama and McCain were even invited to participate. Debate?! With people that aren't just talking heads and mouthpieces for their lobbyists? Can't have that. They'd be humiliated.
Thanks, Jay for bringing that information over about the debates. I can understand the committee's position, but think it may need some updating.
I had to laugh at the Ross Perot reference, remembering Dana Carvey's perfect imitation of him. OMG, hysterical still to this day! One of Perot's famous quotes: If you see a snake, just kill it. Don't appoint a committee on snakes. Can't you just hear him saying that in his nasal tone?
Here is a link on Dana Carvey's impersonation http://www.jibjab.com/view/230290
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