OPINION: Not Voting for Biden and Dems as Protest for the War in Israel and Gaza is Bad Timing

PixabayPhoto byPrettysleepy

There is nothing good about the current war between Israel and Hamas – nothing.

How it began, where it’s heading, and what has happened since it started. It’s a “solution” that’s created more problems that will require more solutions and so on as the can gets kicked farther down the road.

Many will say they know exactly what the cause is. It’s obvious. It’s a field experiment in Physics – two bodies in motion trying to occupy the same space. The results are explosive.

And they would be right and wrong, but in the end, it doesn’t matter which. They’re just opinions. What matters is the people being affected. It’s all that matters.

But both states are run by separate sovereign governments- good or bad. They are making the decisions that have plunged that area once again into war and turmoil and it’s the innocent that are paying the price.

And above it all, there’s always the concept of war never being an effective solution to any problem. But how we cling to it.

In a recent Michigan election a large body of voters, voting Democrats showed themselves as uncommitted for the upcoming national election as a protest against what’s happening in Gaza—specifically a protest against Biden.

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Let’s unpack this protest vote and see what’s inside.

It’s a pretty interesting tactic. It’s not costly. No Ad campaigns or political donations needed. No supply of lawn signs required, billboards in opposition, or thousands gathering outside city hall, the capital, or along the interstates.

Just check a box. Effective?

As a statement, yes.

Accurate? In a limited way. Like blaming West Virginia and its coal mines for global warming. Sure, there’s a connection but . . .

Biden has supported Israel and their sovereign rights to protect themselves, that’s a given. If he stated they didn't have the right, do you think the furor from the other side of the aisle wouldn’t be just as loud?

After the initial attacks by Hamas, no one questioned this. Months later there’s reason enough to demand that the fighting stop.

But Biden, the Dems as a whole, or Congress didn’t start this conflict any more than they started the one in Ukraine. We have a cause point there and it’s not anywhere near Washington, DC.

Washington also doesn’t control Israel or Gaza either. Influence exists but it's never guaranteed.

Back to the protest. What’s at stake?

Biden and the Dems must stop the war and pain being inflicted on Gaza and its people or we won’t vote for you in the next election.

Is it a serious threat or just a bluff?

It doesn’t matter. Every citizen has the right to protest. Yes, there are certain limits – no destruction of property, don't harm others, and so forth. But the right is there.

At the same time, is this a game of chicken where the losers will be both parties here and the nation along with them?

Maybe.

When the only thing one can do in protest is raise their voice, carry a sign, or refuse to vote, again, that is their right.

But part of the effectiveness of using these rights is using them at the right time.

Biden and the Dems didn’t start the conflict.

If you scrutinize every government action over the last decade, you will probably find things that could have or should have been done differently that might have prevented this latest conflict. Maybe.

But most of the problem and all of the solution rests with those two sides in the Middle East.

This is not the time for a game of chicken even if the cause is just. The stakes are too high and there’s little margin for error.

Protest for sure. Keep the pressure on. This has worked in the past to correct our government's mistakes and will work again. Anything done to get both sides into a ceasefire now is vital.

But timing is everything and considering what’s at risk, for us – now is not the right time to withhold votes or use voting as punishment.

We should have more leeway in such matters but we don’t.

Let’s vote wisely.