I Heard If You Vote Third Party You Will Have 4 Years Bad Luck

This has to be said. I seem to attract political discussions at work, or anywhere I go. Constantly, what I am hearing from friends, family and associates, is that they are not happy with either candidate. They are weary of the 2 party process in this country. They wish there were a viable 3rd party. When I ask these people why they don't vote for a third party candidate, they reply that they do not want to "throw their vote away."

This I cannot understand. Stop right there -- I understand the explanation you were about to offer, in terms of a vote for Badnarik, for example is a lost Bush vote. A Nader vote is a lost Kerry vote. I understand on this level but I do not understand why people that think this way cannot see past this misconception. Now don't get me wrong, I do know what impact on THIS election a third party vote would have. But can we not collectively look past the tips of our noses and see the long term impact that massive third party voting would have?

Want to see a 3rd party candidate in the debates next election? Vote for one now. A 3rd party that gets 20% will be included in debates, media coverage, etc... The only way to really "throw your vote away" is by not using it. Not voting is truly a misguided protest effort.

So, if you are disatisfied with the current state of affairs, the current political processes, and the current selection of the 2 party candidates, then do something about it. Vote for someone.

Bryan Taylor