Pagan Perspectives

Weekly Question
The Rules
| Note:
The opinions posted on the Pagan Perspective pages are those of individuals and are not neccessarily shared or endorsed by the Witches' Voice inc.
|
For Further Discussion Visit The

WitchVox List of 242 Communication
'Net Sites:

Chat Boards
Email Lists
IRC Channels

Past Questions

| 
|

|
Author:
Posted: Sep. 8, 2002
| This Page Viewed: 7,123,073
|
Vox Q Stats

Times Viewed: 32,767

Reponses: 233

Lurker/Post Ratio: 140 to 1
|

Question of the Week: 1 - 8/7/2000

Who are you going to vote for and why?

Which political platform or candidate are you leaning towards? Do you think that a level of political involvement is important to pagans? Are you registered to vote, will you vote and who -if you don't mind telling the world- are you planning to vote for (or against)?
|
| Reponses: There are 233 responses posted to this question. |
Reverse Sort |
| I Am A Libertarian. I Believe In Less Government And More Individual... | Aug 12th. at 1:00:29 pm EDT |

| Hippiewitch (Paducah, Kentucky US) | Age: 23 - Email |

I am a Libertarian. I believe in less government and more individual freedom. I think that political involvement, unfortunately, should be important to pagans, because our elected officials have lately decided it is up to them to decide whether our path is a valid religious faith. (i.e., Rep. Barr!!) I am registered to vote, and this will be the first year I vote in a presidential election. I will vote for the Libertarian candidate, Harry Browne. I can't stand to look at George W. Bush-perhaps this is unprofessional of me, but that smirk just makes me want to slap it off his face! He has proven through many debates and interviews that he is a right-wing idiot riding on his daddy's coattails. My husband and I have decided that if he is elected, we are moving to Canada. Al Gore, well. . . I don't have any particular beef with him, but I'm not gonna vote for him either. The voters in this country need to be aware that the two-party system is hurting them. And, with that in mind, I believe it is time to do away with the electoral college. It is out-dated and flies in the face of democracy-your vote doesn't count if the electors disagree. Until we get rid of the electoral college, a third party candidate has no chance.
|

| I First Registered To Vote In April Of 1987, As A High... | Aug 12th. at 3:50:10 pm EDT |

| Gwydion Canu Bleidd (Memphis, Tennessee US) | Age: 31 - Email |

I first registered to vote in April of 1987, as a high school senior; I officially cast my first vote over 18 months later, in the '88 Presidential election, and while I never officially claimed any sort of party affiliation, I voted Democrat, partly because my parents did and partly because that was the era of Reagan/Bush and their authoritarian politics that tended by and large to trample on the "little guy." I registered as an independent because I cared not to be identified as a bleeding-heart liberal or as a fascist conservative, and because my socio-political views skew wildly from one side to the other (I am pro-choice, pro-death penalty [though I do believe in the right to a fair and speedy trial with all evidence duly presented and considered], somewhat anti-gun control [when you live in the big city where crime is something for which you always need to be on the lookout, you need some form of self-defense], pro-environment [but do not support the radically violent tactics of some animal rights groups--I am still carnivorous and wear leather]).
However, after the last eight years (and I did vote for Clinton/Gore in '92, though not in '96, as I was not registered at the time), and reviewing the current choices of the GOP and the Democratic parties, I am seriously considering voting independent for real. I do think that Gore's choice of Joe Lieberman as running mate was an inspired one (or else thoroughly calculated, given that much has been made of Lieberman's being the first Jewish candidate for Vice President in the history of the nation), but they are taking the high moral ground--so perceived--as much as the Republicans are. And let's not forget whom Gore's wife is and what she started back in the mid-'80s (I am also against censorship). No--thanks to the choices with which we've been left, I am seriously thinking of voting Green Party. Ralph Nader was responsible for forcing the auto industry to put safety belts in cars, among other things, and however else you feel about him, from what I have read and heard, he seems to be the more sensible choice in 2000.
|

| I Feel That The Clinton Administration Pure Evil So I Was Leaning... | Aug 12th. at 4:17:49 pm EDT |

| Cherice Look (Chicago, Illinois US) | Age: 19 - Email |

I feel that the Clinton administration pure evil so I was leaning towards voting for Bush instead of Gore. Also I feel that republicans are doing more to promote less government involvement and more personal freedoms. When I heard about Bush's v/p voting against all kinds of clean air and water laws and voting so adimently against gays my opinion has changed. Now I just probably wont vote at all. I feel a new party needs to be established. One that is based on keeping our earth beautiful, protecting personal rights, and promoting love and peace instead of money and hipocrosy. I think a revolution is in order these are the worst canidates ive ever seen in my 19 years of life.
|

| Yout American Politics Don't A Lot Of Sense To Me. I Am... | Aug 12th. at 8:14:33 pm EDT |

| Rathalyn Starwind (Sundre, Alberta CA) | Age: 31 - Email |

Yout American politics don't a lot of sense to me. I AM CANADIAN and I much prefer our system, where you don't vote for a person but a party. There are five poarties sitting the House of Commons (they make the laws here). No leader can put forward a personal agenda unless he can convince his ENTIRE PARTY that it is a good idea. Of particular interest: One party whose leader somehow managed to sneak "Christian values" into the party platform had to BACK OFF to even get one member elected. I never heard a thing about it until a new leader (who is a little worse on that point) was recently chosen. His opponents where making a point of pointing out his religious views, so I think he too will have to tone it down.
Those of you thinking of moving to Canada, welcome and rest assured that you will probably not have to worry too much anytime soon.
|

| I Am Leaning Towards Either The Libertarian Or The Green Party (still... | Aug 12th. at 11:30:39 pm EDT |

| Li Ferelwing (Houston, Texas US) | Age: 23 |

I am leaning towards either the Libertarian or the Green Party (still learning their platforms) however if I dont like them then I will be voting democrat.
I refuse to put anything behind the new Bush. He has proven that he is insensitive to other religions and therefore I dont want him in a position where he can nominate the next justices for the Supreme court. I will vote for ANYONE but him!
Yes I am registered to vote and yes I will be voting. I have yet to determine who I will vote for yet. Mostly because I want to do more research on their actions rather than their words.
|

| Religion And Politics Are Indeed Strange Bedfellows.unfortunately, With Such Vocal Involvment With... | Aug 13th. at 1:29:11 am EDT |

| Ariadne (Morro Bay, California US) | Age: 21 - Email |

Religion and politics are indeed strange bedfellows.Unfortunately, with such vocal involvment with groups such as the Christian Coalition, I feel it is necessary for Pagans- and indeed members of all religions- to stand up and make themselves heard.
I am registered to vote- as a Libertarian. I agree with the Democratic party on many issues- such as equal rights for all citezens, and pro-choice voting. However- I also agree very strongly with many Republican views- such as gun ownership and social security reform. Having seen the way the Democrats ran the country over the last few years, I would not support them again...however, George W.'s bias towards the Religious Right is indeed frightening. So....what's a Witch to do? I for one, am taking the only choice I can make with a clear conscience- I will vote Libertarian again. To many, this may be a 'throw away vote' however, it is the only choice I see available to me. Hopefully, enough people will get sick with the major parties and do the same- voting the 'big two' out of power. (Hey- hope springs eternal)
B*B
|

| I Want To Start Out By Pointing Out To Everyone Here That... | Aug 13th. at 7:58:30 am EDT |

| Lady Sine (Houston, Texas US) | Age: 43 |

I want to start out by pointing out to everyone here that less (federal) government does nothing for individual rights. When Republicans yell less government what they are really saying is less regulation of big business. That means less protection of our environment and our children. It has nothing to do with individual rights.
The democrats are the only party really interested in the individual. You Libertarians think about what is going to happen if the regulatory agencies are dismantled. Say goodbye to clean air and water, and don't use any product you didn't personally make yourself.
Now as to Gun laws i am of the "you will pry it from my cold dead fingers variety. So are a lot of other democrats. The gun control folks are loud, but they are not the only voice in the Democratic party. The democrats consequently have backed down from the get rid of all the guns stance, the party plank is more control, ...I really can't argue with that. I would rather it was a little harder for the bad guy to get the gun. And trigger controls would have saved at least 2 children I knew personally.
My advice to everyone is don't just vote, go to your local primary meeting. Caucus will teach you a lot about what the party of your concious really means. I have and I am voting Democrat.
|

| I'm Voting For Nadar Because I Believe The Purpose Of Voting Is... | Aug 13th. at 8:31:12 am EDT |

| Maia BlackWolf (Milnesville, Pennsylvania US) | Age: 32 - Email |

I'm voting for Nadar because I believe the purpose of voting is to cast my ballot for the MAN whom I believe to be the BEST candidate. I don't believe in voting for or against a PARTY.
We all know the possibilities should Bush be elected. While everyone seems to be "flipping out" over what they think Bush would do to OUR religious rights, I think we have more to fear from the other everyday citizens around us. Those everyday "common men" are the people who daily, truly make my life as a Witch difficult. No matter the party in office, its primarily the ordinary citizens who still harass and ostracize US.
Whats frightening to me is that I don't think we have any idea of the possibilities should it be Gore. I don't think the man knows himself. He has waffled and flip-flopped and played to the polls on so many issues I don't think the man has one shread of integrity left. And, does anyone else here remember Tipper and her PMRC? Do we really believe that she no longer espouses those ideas? After watching Hillary for eight years, could we possibly believe a wife does not influence her husband politically? The PMRC is all about sensorship. If they could take away our rights to free speech which right would be next? Plain and simple, I don't trust Gore. He's a hypocrite.
As a practicing Witch for almost 17 years my religious views have a great deal to do with my choice. Nadar is advocating a "Deep Democracy" with less government interference in our lives. He is very concerned with ecological issues and has always looked out for the "common man". To my mind, he is the BEST candidate.
|

| Well, I'm Not A Us Citizen, And Therefore Unable To Vote In... | Aug 13th. at 10:31:06 am EDT |

| Jinxster (London, England UK) | Age: 22 - Email |

Well, I'm not a US citizen, and therefore unable to vote in this election, but if I was, I'd be voting Gore. Not because of any innate sympathy with him (he seems like your typical corporate politician type to me), but because Bush seems overwhelmingly worse. Even conservative minded pagans should avoid him - do you really think he'll increase your religious freedom? The only religious freedom Bush is interested in is the freedom of Christian fundies to make sure - forcibly if necessary - that only their own narrow world-view is allowed to prevail anywhere.
Paganism is not a mainstream religion by any standards, and therefore doesn't have the level of support (or at least tolerance for) that Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, et al, currently enjoy. In fact, owing to Christian propaganda, the uninformed majority associate us with demon-worshipping, grave-desecrating maniacs, and won't disapprove if our spiritual paths are stripped of their constitutional status and gradually outlawed.
Not to sound like I'm soapboxing or anything, but if you vote for Gore, it could happen. If we get more Supreme Court justices like Scalia and Rehnquist, it won't take long before Wicca loses it's official religion status, and then the way is clear for Bush to outlaw us. It'll be like Lincoln Park and the Columbine aftermath all over again, and the ACLU/WADL won't be able to save us this time. I think any concerned pagan's best option is to vote for the candidate most likely to defeat Bush. I.e. Al Gore.
|

| Which Political Platform Or Candidate Are You Leaning Towards? Ralph Nader/green... | Aug 13th. at 2:53:02 pm EDT |

| Dana NiErin (Concord, New Hampshire US) | Age: 27 - Email |

Which political platform or candidate are you leaning towards? Ralph Nader/Green Party
Do you think that a level of political involvement is important to pagans? es we need to be part of the process if we arent then we allow others to make the rules we are forced to live by.
Are you registered to vote? Yes
will you vote and who -if you don't mind telling the world- are you planning to vote for (or against)?
Yes I will Vote I cant vote for Bush there are just too many troubling issues for me about him....I know little about Gore and plan to watch the convention...Im leaning twards Nader he wont win this time anyway but I will have picked someone I think qualified for the job. In the green parites agenda it speaks about all faiths being accepted and they mean all faiths also all sexual preferences are accepted. they are very strong on caring for the earth. Things need to change its my hope this will be a start.
|

| I Just Turned 18 In April Of This Year, And Registered To... | Aug 14th. at 1:17:04 am EDT |

| Todd (Elk Point, South Dakota US) | Age: 18 |

I just turned 18 in April of this year, and registered to vote not long after that... Eager to flex my new democratic muscles, I began following the races for party nominations.. Unfortunately I found a problem: none of these guys seemed special...there was no one I wanted to cast my vote for.. No real party platform to get behind or charismatic candidate to rally for.. Bush wants to open the door for people to stop me from practicing my religion, Gore seems like someone's forcing him to run..the dude doesn't seem to have any spark... both platforms are messed up (some good ideas on each side, but too much bickering). I haven't checked out the libertarian party yet... The green party has a lot going for it, but I can't decide how I feel on it's "legalize it" stance..I'm not sure if ending the war on drugs will solve problems or create more of them.. Will law-fearing people start neglecting their children to feed a now-legalized marijuana craving? At this point I'm REALLY close to deciding to just not vote..The way I figgure it, all politicians are liars, and being president is like being the head liar...so what's the point... But then again, not making a choice is worse than choosing wrong..so I don't know..
|

| I'm Pretty Sure I Am Voting Green Party This Election. This Will... | Aug 14th. at 3:49:33 am EDT |

| Christine (Santa Cruz, California US) | Age: 27 |

I'm pretty sure I am voting Green party this election. This will be the first time I have voted for an independent, but Bush is scay and Gore is weird and I don't think at this time either of these parties have anything to offer our Country or our Earth. I believe it is very important as pagans, citizens, and, for me, as a woman, to vote. When I think of our sister suffregettes who fought so hard to win our right to vote, I feel it would be greatly disrespectful to thier memory to not utilize the rights they won for us. I am registered and will and always have voted because I believe it is my responsiblity.
|

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Web Site Content (including: text - graphics - html - look & feel)
Copyright 1997-2013 The Witches' Voice Inc. All rights reserved
Note: Authors & Artists retain the copyright for their work(s) on this website.
Unauthorized reproduction without prior permission is a violation of copyright laws.
Website structure, evolution and php coding by Fritz Jung on a Macintosh G5.
Any and all personal political opinions expressed in the public listing sections (including, but not restricted to, personals, events, groups, shops, Wren’s Nest, etc.) are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinion of The Witches’ Voice, Inc. TWV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization.
Sponsorship: Visit the Witches' Voice Sponsor Page for info on how you can help support this Community Resource. Donations ARE Tax Deductible.
The Witches' Voice carries a 501(c)(3) certificate and a Federal Tax ID.
Mail Us: The Witches' Voice Inc., P.O. Box 341018, Tampa, Florida 33694-1018 U.S.A.
|