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Culture War Roundup for the week of August 12, 2024

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I've seen conservatives, liberals, leftists, and rightists all make this argument about some form of election where they've lost as some form of pushback, and here's the thing. If you don't vote, and you have a free and open ballot, you're saying you're fine with any option that wins. Not voting is an endorsement of the current order, whomever ends up the winner.

I have far more respect for somebody who shows up

Funny you say that, because I've seen conservatives, liberals, leftists, and rightists all make this argument.

The legitimacy of the system is derived from people participating in it, that's where all the "come on, vote, even if it's just to spoil the ballot" thing is coming from, and precisely why people refuse to vote, and precisely why others get upset with them. Also, the idea of someone voting to spoil getting respect died a horrible death with Trump and Brexit. If you actually pick a non-sanctioned option on the "free and open" ballot, a ton of shit will be dropped on you, and steps will be taken to ensure you will not be able to do it again.

Not voting is not an endorsement, it's quite obviously the opposite, though it may express that whoever wins will be just as bad as the other guy. The police under the Tories were already going after people for spicy memes, after all.

The legitimacy of the system is derived from people participating in it

So, how low does turnout have to get before the system becomes so illegitimate it can't stay solvent, if not 33%? 20%? 10%? 5%? At which point do you predict the People will throw their hands up and say "you know what, we never voted for any of those guys, time to wreck shit"?