I'm referring to the political expression of placing a Presidential candidate sign on the front lawn or a "Vote For _ _ _ _" sticker on the car. What is the intent of this expression - to illustrate their own personal choice or to sway someone else's personal choice?
I believe voting is a personal choice. In fact, I'm fairly sure that is why they have voting BOOTHS and not voting overhead projectors. Why do some feel the need to tell everyone how they are going to vote? I can only imagine it is so they can help make up the mind of the less learned citizens on their street. It seems in most homogeneous suburban neighborhoods everyone would have an equal ability to analyze the issues and make an informed decision. However, based on the number of Vote For signs plastered across America, there appears to be those who have the enlightenment and those who seek the enlightenment. I sure do appreciate my neighbors reminding me for whom to vote. I was having a hard time finding any political propaganda; except, of course, for those hard to find mediums like TV, radio, computer, newspaper, phone solicitations, mail, billboards and 5th grade text books.
My blog, my opinion - when someone puts a Vote For sign in their front yard they are either:
* Narcissistic and require that strangers know their thoughts.
* They are over inflated and believe their analysis of the candidates is more in depth than others.
* They are preying on the assumption that voters are so dumb, they vote based on a branded image and not an informed choice.
Yes, sign bearers are exercising their right to free speech and yes, public debate of the issues and candidates is a must, but I'm not buying the wholesome expression of the yard sign. I think they are insulting. Voting is a right, voting the issues is a responsibility.
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