Russell Brand explains why I don't vote.

[Bignugget 0]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGxFJ5nL9gg

I'd say the initial question of, 'are you qualified to edit a political magazine' was answered quite well. I'd read the shit he edits. While not ultra-realistic ideas, they sure make sense. I also loved his explanation for not voting, same reasons as I have.

[normiss 622]

Excluding his lack of understanding economics, agreed with everything else.

[Tink1717 2]

I'd say he dramatically underestimates the current level of apathy. I'd also say he does not understand the level of mendacity and indefference of his political foes.

Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off.
-The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!)
AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717

[normiss 622]

Or the fact he has what, $50-80 million?

Typical.

[kelpdiver 2]

it's sad that someone would cite Brand as an explanation for his lack of civic participation.

Pathetic.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

You want me to take this nut case Marxist serious? Who do you take me for? A communist? What a joke.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[Bignugget 0]

kelpdiver

it's sad that someone would cite Brand as an explanation for his lack of civic participation.

Pathetic.

He nailed it, why not borrow his words?

The fact that he doesn't vote doesn't mean he can't have an intelligent political opinion, or that his opinion holds no value.

The same way that the fact someone does vote doesn't mean that their political opinion is intelligent, or that it holds any value.

It can go both ways, voting or not.

[normiss 622]

I love rich people bitching about rich people.
Total tool.

[kelpdiver 2]

Bignugget

The fact that he doesn't vote doesn't mean he can't have an intelligent political opinion, or that his opinion holds no value.

It's possible, just not very likely. IMO, when someone proudly talks about never voting, what I hear him saying is: "I'm a fucking loser."

Doubly so if he spends a considerable amount of time debating politics.

[Bignugget 0]

kelpdiver

***
The fact that he doesn't vote doesn't mean he can't have an intelligent political opinion, or that his opinion holds no value.

It's possible, just not very likely. IMO, when someone proudly talks about never voting, what I hear him saying is: "I'm a fucking loser."

Doubly so if he spends a considerable amount of time debating politics.


"It's possible, just not very likely."

I see an awful lot of video that makes me think the same way about people who vote.

I fail to see how complying with a broken system gives you legitimacy to speak about problems and solutions to a nation.

"voting" is moot if there is never an actual difference between your choices.

[Bignugget 0]

normiss

I love rich people bitching about rich people.
Total tool.

So if he was dirt poor you would be on board with his sentiment?

[ryoder 1,390]

CanuckInUSA

You want me to take this nut case Marxist serious? Who do you take me for? A communist? What a joke.

Well, you live where there is socialized health care, and your flag is mostly red...

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Quote

Well, you live where there is socialized health care, and your flag is mostly red...

If you think Canada's socialist healthcare system is good, you might be interesting in a beach front time share opportunity in Bangladesh I would like to sell you during the Spring. I hear the view is to die for.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[kelpdiver 2]

Bignugget

I fail to see how complying with a broken system gives you legitimacy to speak about problems and solutions to a nation.

I fail to see how your refusal to participate, which takes a whole hour per year, will do anything to improve the 'broken system.' It rather guarantees it continues as is.

Elsewhere in the world, people are still willing to risk their lives for the right to participate.

Quote

"voting" is moot if there is never an actual difference between your choices.

Aside from being bullshit, again you won't improve the situation with laziness, only encourage it. But if you really believe it, then focus on the local boards where there is a huge fucking difference between the choices. The Christian Right discovered more than a decade ago that they can make serious policy impact by focusing on the school boards.

[aphid 0]

CanuckInUSA

Quote

Well, you live where there is socialized health care, and your flag is mostly red...

If you think Canada's socialist healthcare system is good, you might be interesting in a beach front time share opportunity in Bangladesh I would like to sell you during the Spring. I hear the view is to die for.

And dealing with our health care system significantly and personally the last 2 years, I am of the opposite opinion of you.

[wmw999 2,129]

What kelpdiver said. Yeah, it seems pointless to vote sometimes, but it's way more pointless not to vote. And to me, it's not nearly as seriously whining when you're also trying to do something about it.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Bignugget 0]

wmw999

What kelpdiver said. Yeah, it seems pointless to vote sometimes, but it's way more pointless not to vote. And to me, it's not nearly as seriously whining when you're also trying to do something about it.

Wendy P.

I think the interview demonstrates Brand believes (and I agree), you are trying to do something about it the wrong way.

You can't cure the broken 2 party system by participating in the broken 2 party system.

Participating in the broken system to keep it moving along, and then taking that participation as indication of a right to complain about the system, seems almost crazy to me.

It's like going to the DMV. If everyone stopped participating in the DMV, they would have to change it. Instead we all go to the fucking DMV and wait through that broken ass system. Then we complain constantly about how shitty the DMV is.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

No doubt there are many flaws in the so called democracies will all live with. Take the US as an example, GWB screwed the country and now Obama is screwing the country even more. However Russell Brand is calling for a revolution (which are never peaceful) and at the 6:08 minute mark of this video he exposes himself as the Marxists that he is.

I know someone who grew up in communist Bulgaria when the Iron Curtain still existed and now lives in rather messed up Spain. When asked what do you prefer? The communists or the messed up democracy in Spain? She says she prefers Spain, despite all the difficulties the Spanish are experiencing.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[kelpdiver 2]

Bignugget

It's like going to the DMV. If everyone stopped participating in the DMV, they would have to change it. Instead we all go to the fucking DMV and wait through that broken ass system. Then we complain constantly about how shitty the DMV is.

I think I visited the DMV once in the past decade, when I bought a used motorcycle. And I got an appointment for that one. Otherwise, it's been mail or web activity. So no, no complaints from me about how shitty it is.

If you're worried about your participation being viewed as tacit acceptance, you do have the option to not vote for either party. You could stick to the local issues and initiatives. Then your little protect would be noted - 1 million ballots cast, only 600k voted for either Senate candidate. So sorry, that excuse doesn't work for me.

[splat123 0]

Worth watching just to see Paxman squirm when he reminds him his distant Granmother was a brass. (Slang for cheap whore)

[Bignugget 0]

kelpdiver

***
It's like going to the DMV. If everyone stopped participating in the DMV, they would have to change it. Instead we all go to the fucking DMV and wait through that broken ass system. Then we complain constantly about how shitty the DMV is.

I think I visited the DMV once in the past decade, when I bought a used motorcycle. And I got an appointment for that one. Otherwise, it's been mail or web activity. So no, no complaints from me about how shitty it is.

If you're worried about your participation being viewed as tacit acceptance, you do have the option to not vote for either party. You could stick to the local issues and initiatives. Then your little protect would be noted - 1 million ballots cast, only 600k voted for either Senate candidate. So sorry, that excuse doesn't work for me.

I like the idea, the problem with it, for me, is I don't draw the line somewhere down the pyramid.

The whole pyramid is fucked up.

I don't participate in helping keep it built.

You are incorrectly describing my explanation as an excuse.

You shouldn't be supporting things you don't believe in, and as such I shouldn't be voting. I would need an excuse TO vote.

[kelpdiver 2]

the more excuses you give, the more I discount the value of your opinions.

Civic duties are not voluntary. Non voters who complain about the system are useless whiners.