Julia and I are being investigated by the NH attorney genital.

[dalebert]

Seems like a good reason to exit their system and not vote.

That's a very good point, Russell. When I registered my car in Georgia (I just moved back to my homestate... for now) they asked if I wanted to register to vote and I went ahead. However, I don't actually believe in the legitimacy of the democratic process. I've always just viewed voter registration as a means of communicating to my legislators that I'm Libertarian. Any time I actually vote, I've just seen that as a way of communicating my views to legislators. Lately I'm re-evaluating and this situation and that statement that Ian is showing us causes me yet more cognitive dissonance with my decision.

Voting already feels incredibly ineffective; little more than mental masturbation in almost all cases. Am I talking out of both sides of my mouth if I claim it's not legitimate and yet register and sometimes vote? By signing a statement like that in NH, would I then be a hypocrite if I later claim that their laws are not legitimate?

Ian seems to have found a reasonable compromise for now by crossing it out. Kudos for that. But do you actually believe in the legitimacy of democracy?

[Lex]

I don't think I would want to be investigated by anyones genitals from the state.

[Russell Kanning]

I've always just viewed voter registration as a means of communicating to my legislators that I'm Libertarian.

Am I talking out of both sides of my mouth if I claim it's not legitimate and yet register and sometimes vote? By signing a statement like that in NH, would I then be a hypocrite if I later claim that their laws are not legitimate?

If you call them "my legislators" .... I guess you are still part of that system and might as well vote. If you want to communicate with them, I bet it works better to write or phone them.

Yes and yes

If your candidate won .... or if your issue was voted in..... you would want them to have the office ... or would want it to be implemented, so......

[hook]

Its more likely you are being investigated for the statements you made several months ago about the illicit drug activity at your property.

The voter registration story is a cover.

[money dollars]

It doesn't matter what you are being investigated for. You are being investigated. Your best bet is not to communicate with them. You have no obligation. If they want to dig, make them do the work. Don't do the digging for them.

[Kat Kanning]

We can protest outside your prison, Ian.

[FTL_Ian]

Ian seems to have found a reasonable compromise for now by crossing it out. Kudos for that. But do you actually believe in the legitimacy of democracy?

No, it is mob rule.

[FTL_Ian]

It doesn't matter what you are being investigated for. You are being investigated. Your best bet is not to communicate with them. You have no obligation. If they want to dig, make them do the work. Don't do the digging for them.

Generally, I agree.  In this instance, I feel like answering his question is appropriate as I *DID* fill out the voter registration form.

I will tread carefully.

[FTL_Ian]

Its more likely you are being investigated for the statements you made several months ago about the illicit drug activity at your property.

The voter registration story is a cover.

Paranoia.  They would have nothing to go on there.  The drug dealing tenants are out.

[error]

Forget inviting him to listen. Invite him to call in to the radio show.

[Russell Kanning]

The drug dealing tenants are out.

You say that like it is wrong to deal drugs.

[error]

The drug dealing tenants are out.

You say that like it is wrong to deal drugs.

Dealing drugs isn't wrong. Stiffing your landlord for the rent is wrong.

[dalebert]

If you call them "my legislators" .... I guess you are still part of that system and might as well vote. If you want to communicate with them, I bet it works better to write or phone them.

Semantics. I do not recognize their authority. I abide by a law either because I agree with it in principle anyway or, when necessary, to avoid the punishment they have the power to exert over me if I don't.

Yes and yes

I knew that would be your answer so it was sort of a rhetorical question, but that's the conclusion I'm basically coming to myself.

If your candidate won .... or if your issue was voted in..... you would want them to have the office ... or would want it to be implemented, so......

That's a reasonable conclusion, but not really. It's been a long time since I voted to actually get someone elected. For instance, I will frequently vote Libertarian when I know there's no chance in Hell of that candidate getting elected. It just makes a statement. It's very true I can call "my legislators" to communicate with them, but most of them are making the decisions that impact our lives based on math. They're examining the make-up of their districts and tailoring their behavior to achieve their primary goal which is to be elected or re-elected.

Still, I'm finding all of that to be a poor excuse for participating in a system that I don't believe in and contributing to the illusion of legitimacy.

[error]

If you call them "my legislators" .... I guess you are still part of that system and might as well vote. If you want to communicate with them, I bet it works better to write or phone them.

Semantics. I do not recognize their authority. I abide by a law either because I agree with it in principle anyway or, when necessary, to avoid the punishment they have the power to exert over me if I don't.

It's more than just semantics. You gave them legitimacy by calling them your legislators.

[d_goddard]

Future interactions will be recorded or emailed.

For your own protection, and because I for selfish reasons want you free to do your show, ASK THE OTHER PARTY any time you are recording audio.
It's stupid and insane, but you could well be looking at 20 years and a felony violation of the wiretap law if you don't (or if they say "no")
I've seen too many people get burned by this, who came to testify in the House over the past few months.
The law needs to change, but the Dems just ain't gonna change it.