I think Trump is a bully, a liar and an embarrassment for the country.
That said, he’s really not that different than most politicians – he’s out to take care of himself, his friends and people who give him money.
Other politicians may be a bit more genteel and polite in their lying and stealing, but I don’t see much difference in the end results.
I lean towards libertarian and liberal ideals.
I long to live in a country that provides universal healthcare (healthcare not insurance), social safety nets for unemployment, care for the poor and elderly and the many other social benefits provided by most for the other first world countries. I’d be willing to give up more in taxes for more care.
On the other hand, in the US, I’ve seen big government screw up nearly everything it touches. At best it creates cumbersome rules and bureaucracy to navigate to deliver suboptimal services. At worst, it wastes money, creates roadblocks and protects monopolies and special interests.
So I am struggling this year with my voting decision.
Obviously the big election is for President. As in 2016, I despise both candidates.
One is a cartoon clown (Trump) and the other is a lifelong political hack who will do everything possible to retain the power structure of the past 6 decades.
My friends and family tell me to vote against Trump, even if I don’t like Biden.
But I dislike Biden, his VP Harris, the DNC and the campaign and its policies.
Whether Trump or Biden win, I expect the government will take care of itself and its cronies and the wealthy. Expecting anything more is simply not reality.
I might write in Bernie Sanders or Tulsi Gabbard. I thought either would be a breath of fresh air and a chance to make at least a few significant changes to our society. Naturally, the DNC, squeezed them both out so it can maintain its power structure.
A write in would be a “wasted vote” because neither will win.
In the past I’ve voted for 3rd party candidates. Sometimes I vote against all incumbents in the hopes that the new guy will at least not be as beholden to special interests as the incumbents (especially the lifers in the Senators and House).
This year, I’ll be voting against most of the incumbents representing North Carolina in the Federal, State and Local Government. I disagree with their policies, their votes and their tactics.
Chances are, my vote won’t win anyone an election.
But if I don’t vote my conscience, then what’s the point?