Is political apathy morally defensible? Most people are apathetic so are they immoral?
813716
Political apathy is defensible, because it can be morally traced to those who accuse people that don't participate of immoral action.  \n\nWhat is apathy but the name we give to the condition of not seeing a meaningful difference between the choices offered?   Who makes that so if not the people that declare that we only have two parties and that we have to choose the lesser of two evils?   \n\nI can't speak for everyone, but I can certainly understand the Libertarian point of view that can lead to apathy.  \n\nImagine you were in a restaurant where everyone will be given the same thing for dinner, after everyone votes for the choice on the menu.  Imagine the menu has cat food and dog food. \n\nNow, to a Libertarian, the Liberals want dog food, and the Conservatives want cat food.  Since what Libertarians want is to demand more choices from the restaurant, can you not see that we'd be "apathetic" about the choice given, but VERY enthusiastic about getting more choices? \n\nApathy is when you don't care about the difference between the choices, and since half of America's eligible voters usually don't, I think it's more common that wanting one of the choices given.  \n\nIt's the "two party" system that's to blame, not the apathetic voters. If you think the problem is the apathetic voters, then the problem is YOU.
844226
Morality and ethics are not something handed down from On High-- although some pretend it is-- morality and ethics are socially produced.  Basically, social morlaity is that which enhanches the survival of Each and All.  No reference to supernatural decrees is necessary.
671344
most humans are hypocrites\n\nmainly in politics right now theres a lot of stupid people\n\nthe next generation will be better\n\nits clintons fault he got a bee jay\nand the republicans got all god\nand liberals went all take god out of the pledge\n\nin a world were people are dieing cause of religion, to argue over the pledge at a time when we need unity (secular unity)
761711
well first off we are taught certain morals by our parents, such as "do not steal" "obey your parents"  as you get older you develope a feeling called empathy which is your ability to feel anothers pain. though everyone has empathy to a different extent, (some murder and ignore it, others cry at the slightest thing and others can handle more). the thought that "i do not like pain why should i put another person in pain"  is quite a basis for morals. i do not wish to be stolen from, raped, abused, lied about, what is my motiviation to do that to someone else?\n\nwill people commit those without motivation?
1039607
I'm insanely interested in politics, but I've never aligned myself to one party or the other. The ideology behind politics is amazing to me, but to blindly follow ANYTHING in this world today is asinine to me.
728686
Real issues. Party matters not at all. As for morals/values. I wouldn't trust any politician to try to tell me about morals. If I'm voting on the morals they stand for, I want nothing to do with it.
282137
Intelligence, honesty, integrity, leadership skills, the ability to bring people together, particularly from different parties and philosophies. I respect people who believe in something and are consistent in their commitment to their stated ideals and principles. We really don't see much of this in American politics these days. Most politicians seem far more concerned with poll numbers and focus groups than with sticking to what they actually believe in. It's singularly depressing.
983646
i don,t believe so.  one is stupidity and one in immoral.  i don,t think that politicians know the difference.  they all seem to be able to lie about anything and everything. there a just a few who seem honest and trustworthy, but, maybe they just haven't been caught.
274217
Morally not necessarily\n\nRealistically yes
2314
Push the religious "right" out of power and influence.  Those who cry the loudest about moral values or family values seem to be the least moral of all.\n\nThose who seek to push their beliefs on others are neither moral or right (i.e. conservative).  \n\nWe improve the true moral character of our leaders our image will follow.
818077
I remember a study some years back that was basically a survey of people's political and social inclinations.  The subjects were asked to answer some questions about social issues, but the questions were not just the ordinary "are you for or against..." variety.  They were more complex and required some introspection before arriving at an answer.  I believe the subjects were also asked to identify themselves politically (e.g. liberal or conservative).  Interestingly, though, the results of the experiment showed that most people, regardless of how they identify themselves, are actually quite moderate in their views.  Had the questions been simple yes/no answers, the results would likely have been polarized.    \n\nAt the time I remember being fairly satisfied with the results, because it told me that the majority of the world is made of rational people who are capable of looking at both sides of an issue without consulting their team's handbook for the easy answer.  Social issues (including, I think, religion) are enormously complex, and do not deserve easy answers.  \n\nAnd I know your question was posted in the religion section, but I think the point remains: when complex issues are separated from their black-and-white image (e.g. pro-life, pro-choice; theist, atheist), the dogmatic "go-team" attitude falls away and people begin to think rationally.\n\nAlso, (and I don't know why) people tend to perceive ambivalence as a character flaw, or some sort of personal and moral failing.  That is why the dysphemism "wishy-washy" carries so much weight.  So perhaps in order to NOT be perceived this way, many people take a hard-line on issues they don't REALLY feel strongly about.
258264
I concur.  I feel like adherence to a prescribed moral principle removes personal responsibility.  I've felt that way (only perhaps less eloquent!) since I was eight.  If you are a good person because you adhere to the Bible / church values unquestioningly, you aren't actually a good person.  You are only truly good if you are the person choosing your own behavior.  I think fundamentally it boils down to manners - in greater or lesser dimensions.
1127991
I would suggest its boils down to apathy,detachment, failed expectation, or a combination of two or more of the three.\n\nApathy- Many people just don't care enough or find the issues the president may be involved in during his/her administration to be important enough for them to cast a vote,they would rather let the chips fall where they may.\n\nDetachment-Many people may feel so detached from politics in general or from the executive branch of government that they may feel separated or apart from any actual decision making processes that directly or indirectly affect them.\n\nFailed expectations-Many people have either encountered or have been influenced by others who allegedly encountered experiences where the Head of government at any level including national have failed to come through on their promises,or moved in some direction antithetical to the ones they indicated they would on given issues.Its a common interpretation that all politicians are liars and of course the president is at the top of the list.Many people do not subscribe to the notion that any single vote can make the difference.\n\nIt is my supposition that people in general have no idea what most of the actual issues are, or the positions the candidates have taken on them.It is my opinion that modern Americans have become jaded and self involved and detached from the concept of nationalism,except when it adversely effects their position or ideology.It is also my opinion that most people don't think their vote makes a difference, and there knowledge of our constitutionally created system of free democratic due process is limited at best.\n\nI agree with you,I do vote,I cherish the right to do so,and my expectations are high,I still believe that one vote can make the difference especially when the number of votes are declining.I guess you wanted non voters to answer this question but I just couldn't help myself, I hope it generates some reaction or response from non voters,at least we know they gave the subject on moment of thought,and that's probably more than they have in a long time.
1113432
Politics and Morality are both relative terms.\nUnfortunately for us, they both happen to be totally unrelated to each other !
403926
apathy is acceptable to the reaction of being around humans
697186
I know a lot of people are moral without believing in God. \n\nBut for me, for most of my life I didn't have much of a backbone, and I'm fairly certain I would have fell into some vices because of peer pressure if it hadn't of been for that last thread of 'no, this is against my religion' keeping me away from it.\n\nThanks
473647
i think that most of us humans forgot the word MORAL means because of the way we act at times\n\nif there is anybody out there that does not agree please ontact me we will discuss it