Ethical Dilemma - A Friend's Vote

[GiovanniC]

Let me preface this whole thing by saying that I believe in Democracy with a capital "D". I have an optimistic idealism that might border on naivete, but I believe that everyone should be able to vote, that everyone should vote, and that everyone should vote their conscience, wherever that leads, and everything should work itself out in the end.

A friend of mine plans to vote for Kerry in the coming election. Obviously I'm happy about that, and kind of surprised because I didn't think most of his ideas were progressive or "Democratic" ideas. So I asked him why he was interested in Kerry.

Turns out, he has a lot of wrong ideas about Kerry. He is wildly homophobic, and he believes that Kerry will make life hard for "queers". He also is opposed to things like affirmative action and abortion, and thinks that Kerry will be much more likely to mirror his values, as well as "just nuke the Middle East" and closing the borders.

In summary, the guy is a Freeper with a capital "F". And he thinks that since Kerry is running against Bush, that Kerry disagrees with Bush on all issues, and that Kerry will do the opposite of Bush. And this guy is under the impression that Bush is soft on gays, abortion, minorities, and foreigners... and that Kerry wil clamp down on them.

There is, obviously, no basis in fact for any of this. But if this guy casts his vote for Kerry, he'll actually be voting against his conscience (such as it is) without realizing it.

Now, he might figure things out between now and the election, and he asks me political questions because he knows I'm a nerd about such things. Should I tell him that if he really feels the way he does, that he should vote Republican? That really is where his heart lies, whether he knows it or not. Or does my duty to my country involve ousting Bush, and any ends more or less justify the means?

I'll also add that I live in Michigan, one of the so-called battleground states.

[iamjoy]

1. Compromise

Tell him the truth about Kerry, but by no means should he vote for Bush. Nudge him in the direction of Roy Moore.

[GiovanniC]

7. Is Judge Roy Running?

I bet he'd vote that ticket.

[iamjoy]

12. Yes, Judge Moore is Running

http://www.formoore.com/

Personally, I think I trust the judge more than Bush. I disagree with him on everything, but at least he gets points for honesty.

[knight_of_the_star]

20. And the media says WHAT about this?

I swear, they had a three-ring circus when Nader threw his hat in the ring, but I have heard squat from them about Moore.

[MrSlayer]

2. Let him vote for Kerry.

Do not encourage this guy to vote for the Chimp.

[Greyskye]

3. "Friends don't let friends vote Republican"

Perhaps you should just go by the addage: "Don't ask, don't tell..." :evilgrin:

[wyldwolf]

4. smile and nod and say, "thanks for your vote!"

[hippiegranny]

5. the question that begs to be asked:

why are you friends with someone who is so clueless?

:)

[GiovanniC]

13. He's Not a Political Junkie

So politics don't come up a lot (and I avoid discussing politics with him for obvious reasons).

He's an okay guy when he's not talking about gays, minorities, foreigners, or religion and it's pretty rare that those subjects come up. We usually talk about sports, work, women, et cetera. I'm friends with several Republicans. I guess I'm a uniter, not a divider.

:)

[yardwork]

6. I don't think you have an ethical obligation to tell him what you think

Kerry will do or not do. After all, you don't know for SURE that Kerry won't do everything your friend thinks he'll do. I'd let this sleeping dog lie unless he asks you a direct question, and even then I'd just refer him to Kerry's site.

Think of all the good-hearted people who voted for Shrub last time because they thought he was against the death penalty. Really. I know some of them.

[hughee99]

11. In the end, it sounds like

he'll probably be upset when Kerry wins. Let him vote what he believes, and if he doesn't pay enough attention to the canidates that he still believes this stuff come election time, then maybe he deserves to be upset when Kerry wins. I too believe that everyone should vote, but I also believe that everyone should make an informed decision. You get out of it what you put in.

[GiovanniC]

15. I Think Everyone Should Make an Informed Decision As Well

And that's part of the problem. When people believe untrue things about Kerry that causes them to want to vote for Bush, I will educate them on Kerry's positions, or point them in the direction so that they can educate themselves. If I do that with this guy, he won't vote for Kerry. So which is more important... getting rid of Bush, or encouraging informed voting?

[hughee99]

18. encourage informed voting

but make him do the work. If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, if you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime... I hope I don't get any crap from the PETA people for this.

[kiahzero]

25. Exactly

You wouldn't expect Bush supporters to do likewise.

Why should you make your opponent's argument for them?

[seabeyond]

8. f*

the truly uneducated. that is sad this catholic getting bashed cause pro choice, bush trying to add amendment against gays.

bah ha ha ha. that is sad, so very very sad

i am thinking you should have to take a test before voting, wink

[denverbill]

9. Well, how many voted for Bush in 2000 to restore honor and dignity

to the Whitehouse?

How many voted for Bush because he was not into 'nation-building'?

Sorry, but guys like that really are too stupid to be trusted with the vote. I personally wouldn't bother helping him learn any facts.

[oldlady]

10. if he's a friend

tell the truth.
but, try to get around to the OTHER issues too-- health care, vets benefits, overtime pay, etc.
there's enough bush foibles to give anyone a little something to think about. my brother, for instance, is probably drinking beer with your friend tonight (figuratively speaking)... but, even he hates the anti-union stuff when I bring it up.

this is the dawning of the age of karma-- keep yours clean *grin*

peace

[JHBowden]

14. Promote Kerry

Talk about Kerry's strong points (e.g. bio, balanced budgets, middle class tax cut) and play stupid on the hateful wedgie issues.

[Mattforclark]

16. The answer is obvious

at least to me, but I'm probably a cynical ____________.

A vote for Kerry.

[Ready4Change]

17. A lot of Right Wingers are voting against Bush.

He's alienated a lot of people who would other wise rather die than vote for a Democrat. Some extreme right wingers, like your friend, are angered at Bush's concessions made to secure political support here and there. Moderate Republicans are against him for his fiscal mismanagement and irresponsible use of the military.

I think in some ways your friend is confused. If he were fully educated I think he might still come to the same conclusion. The problem is that he's likely to only become partially educated, and vote Bush.

I'd still try to clarify his info. Just my way.

[LTR]

19. I say keep your mouth shut

But if you really must spill the beans, steer him toward the Libertarians.

Seems that's where a lot of ex-Repugs go.

[Toronto Ron]

21. Similarly, so many voted for the bushler...

because they thought he was something he obviously is not (compassionate, conservative, uniter, good CEO-type, etc.). Let him vote for Kerry; it's probably in his interest anyway, assuming he's not mega-wealthy, prefers clean air & water, doesn't want his American passport to be an embarrassment, wants affordable healthcare, etc.

[fujiyama]

22. Avoid politics

and have him vote for Kerry.

If he wants to get informed, he will. He can watch the debates and make up his mind. No need for you to try to convince him otherwise. For now, he's one more vote for Kerry. That's all that matters.

BTW, there are certain things about Kerry that he may actually agree with, such as FCC regulations. This person you speak of sounds like he/she is in that 18-3? range of males that listen to Howard Stern. Many of these people hate what the FCC is doing.

[Nikia]

23. Let him vote for Kerry

It is clear that he doesn't want Bush in office anymore. That's enough to know that he'll be making the right decision for himself.

[iamjoy]

24. Still Thinking About This

Don't you think sooner or later your friend will find out about Kerry?

But, and this is for everyone who has those very moralistic friends, if you know you will never convince them to see the liberal point of view, get good talking points from Moore's site.

as in
"Oh, you're pro-life? Don't you think it is interesting that George Bush says he's pro-life but is okay with abortion in cases of rape and incest? And he's allowing experimentation on tiny little human beings in the name of science (stem cell research - that lousy compromise.) How does he get to call himself pro-life?

"And how come he won't just admit we're a Christian nation? Seems to me like Bush is just too worried about what people will think."

[JohnLocke]

26. Heck no! Let him vote for Kerry!

[Erratic]

27. You should try to clarify his views

Rather than tell him to "Vote Republican" I think it would be good to single out issues and clear up his misconceptions. For example if he's anti-abortion have a little talk and explain that Democrats are typically pro-choice. Naturally you should also try to explain why pro-choice is good but your friend is making an uninformed decision and that is never a good thing.

[Ladyhawk]

28. In this case, I'd say it's up to him to educate himself. :) n/t