Fie on Politics

Discuss the application of the Dharma to situations of social, political, environmental and economic suffering and injustice.
Post Reply
Nicholas Weeks
Posts: 4209
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:21 am
Location: California

Fie on Politics

Post by Nicholas Weeks »

For this season, in the USA, this advice from a conservative is excellent. For those who are of another persuasion, just alter her service avenues - but aim to increase beauty.

http://www.nationalreview.com/node/436218/print
May all seek, find & follow the Path of Buddhas.
User avatar
Kim O'Hara
Former staff member
Posts: 7063
Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:09 am
Location: North Queensland, Australia

Re: Fie on Politics

Post by Kim O'Hara »

That's certainly a more positive response than simply opting out, but it doesn't really solve the electoral problem. If you choose not to vote for the least-bad candidate, you are allowing someone else's vote for the worst candidate to count towards electing him/her. (That's true whether you're a conservative or a progressive or a pastafarian.)
And the more concerned you are about the political situation, the more likely you are to make an intelligent moral choice, so the more important your vote is.
:thinking:

Of course, choosing to vote doesn't stop you also doing something in your community to make it a better place.

:namaste:
Kim
Nicholas Weeks
Posts: 4209
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:21 am
Location: California

Re: Fie on Politics

Post by Nicholas Weeks »

Kim O'Hara wrote:That's certainly a more positive response than simply opting out, but it doesn't really solve the electoral problem. If you choose not to vote for the least-bad candidate, you are allowing someone else's vote for the worst candidate to count towards electing him/her. (That's true whether you're a conservative or a progressive or a pastafarian.)
And the more concerned you are about the political situation, the more likely you are to make an intelligent moral choice, so the more important your vote is.
:thinking:

Of course, choosing to vote doesn't stop you also doing something in your community to make it a better place.

:namaste:
Kim
I do not read her piece as saying 'do not vote', but go ahead and vote, but start focusing on service for others, and get your mind & heart beyond politics. At least for 2016 political season.
May all seek, find & follow the Path of Buddhas.
Post Reply

Return to “Engaged Buddhism”