What do people consider when voting for whoever gets to govern a whole country?
The constitution requires a different set of requirements for who gets to run for such positions, requirements that typically only measure whether they’re rightfully citizens of the country. Yet, when it comes to the nitty-gritty of scrutinizing their values and ethics, it’s the people who calculate who’s competent and empathetic enough to lead.
Unfortunately, there’s a growing principle that, instead of meticulously weighing these factors, people choose and vote for the lesser of two evils. Where has this rule stemmed from, and what is its payoff?
The Downfall of Good Governance in America
In discussing the principle of choosing the lesser of two evils, the matter of why voting systems have been deduced to this can’t be avoided. People are forced to compromise morals and the soundness of their choices because there has been a gradual decrease in suitable candidates.
Regardless of the standards they’re trying to uphold, people don’t have the option to weigh these over. Instead of choosing which candidate is the closest to meeting their conditions and demands, they’re forced to focus on who portrays a lesser wrongful and unpleasant nature.
Choosing the lesser of two evils is banked on the shortage of suitable candidates; people have no other option but to go for those who can perpetrate a more minor sense of chaos. Voting following such a principle would be alarming to any country. Unfortunately, it’s currently increasing in America.
In his book about American Insanity, LeRoy Cossette addresses the corruption that’s slowly chipping away at America’s sense of balance. In discussing the deceit and dishonesty the government is seemingly proudly broadcasting, the author also touches on people’s apathy regarding the current political state and system.
Is it nonchalance about malfeasance?
Have they gotten accustomed to their seemingly perpetual hardship?
Or have they given up looking for the perfect president?
Everything begs the question: why do people continue to vote for incompetent and awful figures?
When they’re the ones suffering and directly struggling from the consequences of their decisions, why do they never learn?
What Does Lesser of Two Evils Mean?
When people vote for the lesser of two evils, what do they truly mean by “evil?” What encompasses an evil governance or president?
In a general context, the word evil does convey an extremely negative connotation. It’s something nobody wants to encounter or meet, the subject of everyone’s nightmare. Hence, it’s no wonder why the principle of voting for the lesser of two evils, especially in the context of everyone’s safety and well-being, leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth.
No election has existed where people had a unanimous decision.
This can be because people are typically divided between Democrats and Republicans. With this, there has always been contradiction and debate on which leader is more competent. This may be because no candidate has impressed everyone to the point of eradicating partisanship and uniting everyone. Instead of choosing someone who everyone likes and has an undebated history of accomplishments proving themselves worthy, voters are presented with lousy candidates.
Not being able to do anything, they such it up and vote for the lesser of two evils. After all, they can’t live in a lawless country with nobody, at least holding control and loyalty over most people.
In the context of politics, “lesser of two evils” means the candidate who’s less lousy and incompetent, someone who they can tolerate enough to give such power. When presented with equally awful candidates, it’s every voter’s moral responsibility to determine who’s less evil. It’s not like they can abstain from voting. This would be worse than choosing the lesser of two evils.
It’s an unfortunate principle to embrace and an even more unfortunate realization that this is the reality most countries are living with. However, when there’s no other option, people have nowhere else to go but where there could be less damage incurred. Unless someone perfectly aligns with everyone’s demands and beliefs, voters must choose the lesser of two evils.
The Existence of “Evil” in American Politics
This is among the various factors to consider why America usually ends up suffering from bad governance – the fact that they seemingly have or perceive all of their candidates as “evil,” or else why would they have to choose who tips such a scale?
Why can’t they go for someone good, not only lesser evil?
At the root of this is the system. The reason why “evil” candidates exist is simply because of America and how it molds people – the same people who vote and get voted. It’s a never-ending cycle, which the country will constantly suffer from unless there are pragmatic changes in perspectives.
There’s a seemingly growing hate against politicians. However, what people fail to consider is that these politicians are merely representatives of who they are. No matter how corrupt they appear to be, these individuals are Americans birthed in the same country and given the same (some, only better) resources as everyone else growing up. Now, where do things go wrong?
It’s the system that corrupts people, giving them the lure of power and the temptation of greed.
It’s the system that produces garbage one after another that people are forced to vote for the lesser of two evils and not who they actually believe will make a difference.
As individualistic as the country is, it can seem unfair to deduce that Americans vote for self-serving purposes. But there should still be ample space given to cater to this presumption.
Regardless of motivations, voters aren’t given many options to nitpick. They don’t have alternatives that can guarantee to provide for their needs. Instead, they are constrained to vote for who they think is the lesser of two evils – an unfortunate yet prevalent perspective in politics.
If you’re interested in uncovering the horrors of the American Government, read more of LeRoy Cossette’s American Insanity. Grab a copy of the book now!
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