Sunday Food for Thought

As a result of the current debate about torture and the view by several Democratic supporters that their party's leaders have basically remained silent on what should be an absolute moral outrage to anyone with a voice in Washington, some Democrats have decided not to vote in the upcoming elections. I've seen that decision expressed in the past few days at My Left Wing and The Huffington Post. And this post by Oliver Willis echoes the voices of many Democratic supporters who are fed up with their party as it currently stands while others are handing out pep talks to ensure that Democratic voters go to the polls in November.

So, what's a Democratic supporter to do?

Quite often in matters of politics when we are backed into such a corner, we must choose between the lesser of two evils. Our first instinct may be to punish a political party's leaders when they have not met our expectations (none of them ever do) and people may feel that they cannot compromise on their deeply held principles by voting for a party that doesn't seem to represent them. But, there are times when we must use our votes strategically and now, as far as I'm concerned, is one of those times for Democrats in America.

There is a very slim chance that the Dems will actually regain power in the house or senate but think about this: if you truly want to put an end to extraordinary renditions and torture, isn't it worth holding your nose this time to support the only real challengers to the corrupt, do-nothing Republicans?

There are times when we must consider the fate of others who are suffering not only from the pain and outrage being felt by Democrats in America but who are also being physically, emotionally and psychologically tortured - experiencing the worst kind of pain imaginable. Don't they deserve your support? Can you put aside your issues with the Democratic leadership long enough to stand up for these victims or will your need to punish people who might actually help them drive your decision?

There is no doubt that the DC Democrats have let you down and that they will continue to do so. Will you react to that disappointment by exacting revenge in a way that just sends the Democrats a warning shot that they might not even receive or will you truly join the fight to end torture by giving them the opportunity to fix the mistakes they've made when they weren't speaking up loudly enough about this gross violation of human rights?

If you stay home on election day, your vote against torture will not be counted.