For example, in my own state's gubernatorial election (New Jersey), I have the choice of an anti-abortionist on the one hand, and an enemy of the Second Amendment on the other.
Schundler, the Republican, calls partial-birth abortion "legalized infanticide". A ban on late-term abortions would be his first step towards completely destroying a woman's right to abortion.
McGreevey, the Democrat, supports Lost-in-Space style "smart gun" legislation. Never mind that the technology hasn't been perfected yet, that millions of older guns can't be retrofitted, or that the choice of how to defend one's self and one's family would be removed and placed in the hands of government.
One candidate worked for Gary Hart's 1988 Democratic election campaign. This was Schundler, the Republican.
One candidate opposes "new environmental regulations" that would "hurt business" and is a "fierce proponent of free markets". One supports "increased state funding for the Blue Acres program, which uses public dollars to purchase open space along the coast." These views are all held by the same person - Schundler, the Republican.
One candidate wants to increase auto insurance regulation ("prevent rate hikes from being considered without consumers having an advocate"), and one wants "increased competition". These views are also held by one person - McGreevey, the Democrat. One "wants a less restrictive market, but only after additional steps are taken to reduce costs". This is the Republican.
One candidate wants to be remembered for "making public education work". The other wants to "reform our public schools so they work to educate children."
And Praise the Lord. Both promise not to raise taxes.
A vote for one of these candidates is a sanction of his positions. Giving my vote to one candidate as opposed to the other says "I believe that you are better than the other guy."
But I don't.
I propose that the citizens of the United States be given the same privilege as our leaders. Give us an "I abstain" button in the voting booth. Give us the ability to show our leaders that we are not abstaining out of apathy.
Let our abstinence be shown for what it is meant to be. A vote of conscience.
