Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Letter to the editor:

Frustrated about whether to vote

In 1954, I voted for the first time, for Republican Gerald Ford’s re-election to the House. I did so not because of his party but because my father told me he would represent our real estate interests in Washington.

Since then I have voted every two years and at times campaigned actively, most notably when I walked house-to-house for JFK.

Now it all seems useless. There is so much big money at work in the primaries that my money would be an insignificant drop in that vast ocean of contributions. Even if that were not the case, what can be accomplished in the face of filibusters or some esoteric techniques that allow 40 senators, possibly fewer, to block, ruinously cripple and/or add earmarks to bills that a strong majority supports?

There are further obstacles to participating politically. I don’t understand the benefits or liabilities of “cap and trade,” the Dodd-Frank act, or other legislation well enough to make an informed decision. Will my votes tomorrow be as self-serving as those in 1954?

What should I do about my quandary? Should I vote? Should I contribute monetarily or otherwise? Should I do neither? Please help.

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