Yeah, I know that over the past couple of years more than a few of us here in Kos-land thought we couldn't bring ourselves to vote in 2012 for BHO. It turns out that many of us are not that idealistic, foolish, lacking in self interest, or whatever. Most of us ARE voting and we're voting for BHO and the Democratic ticket. Some of us have even donated to BHO's campaign, and certainly for our local Dems running for state and national office.
This article by Daniel Ellsberg over at Alternet is perfect to send to any last lefty hold-outs.
I mean if Daniel Ellsberg and Noam Chomsky are pulling the lever for BHO, maybe those last lefty hold-outs that you know can be convinced. This is especially important for those living in swing states. Ellsberg thinks the dis-illusioned progressives who can be brought to vote can be the difference in a win or loss.
To those who really, really like BHO and don't like those of us who criticize him, be forewarned that Ellsberg doesn't pull his punches as to why he doesn't like the POTUS.
BUT, he has this to say:
It is urgently important to prevent a Republican administration under Romney/Ryan from taking office in January 2013.
And, Ellsberg goes on to explain:
Romney/Ryan administration would be no better -- no different -- on any of the serious offenses I just mentioned or anything else, and it would be much worse, even catastrophically worse, on a number of other important issues: attacking Iran, Supreme Court appointments, the economy, women’s reproductive rights, health coverage, safety net, climate change, green energy, the environment.
Ellsberg goes on to quote Noam Chomsky:
“The Republican organization today is extremely dangerous, not just to this country, but to the world. It’s worth expending some effort to prevent their rise to power, without sowing illusions about the Democratic alternatives.”
Following that logic, he’s said to an interviewer what my friend heard me say to Amy Goodman: “If I were a person in a swing state, I’d vote against Romney/Ryan, which means voting for Obama because there is no other choice.”
I am posting this not to stir up old battles, but to provide a tool for those of you who personally know lefty's who are sitting this election out, or writing in someone's name. Ellsberg and Chomsky are respected amongst the dis-illusioned crowd. Maybe reading their words will get some of them to come to their senses and get to the voting booth.
Sorry this isn't a slick diary... I'm real rusty at this.