I'm a one issue voter, with no one to vote for.

[atheistprogress]

Before you question me, I'm going to vote straight democrat, but I'm angry with democrats.

My one issue is rule of law.

I want our leaders to be held accountable for their decisions that violate both national and international laws, show me an elected democrat who says that Cheney belongs in jail and refuses to change the subject. I want the bankers who knowingly committed fraud to go to jail. I want laws without loop-holes. And don't get me started on law enforcement techniques that are described as warrantless.

In 2008 I caucused for Bill Richardson, then switched to Barack Obama when my first choice candidate was "not viable"

Why did I support Governor Richardson, yes I'm aware of his personal issues, in the first place? Because he was the only candidate who said he wanted to join the international courts. I switched to Barack Obama as an anti-hillary vote, I held only the smallest of hopes, tempered with lots of pessimistic doubt, that Obama would do anything about the corruption that ran rampant during the bush years. But still I held out for two years, arguing with fellow Iowans, that Obama was a great president who truly wanted to help restore that faith we once had for our nation.

Ive since stopped arguing in his favor, and more then likely change the subject away from the president, otherwise i would feel my anger rise at certain policies of his administration, and end up tongue tied trying to find a reason to still support a President who's actions are contrary to what I believe to be the correct way. Except for talking about his policy concerning loose nuclear material, he's still tip top on that issue.

...At least Ive got one reason to give him my vote. I just wish I could be more excited about supporting him.

[TheWraith]

1. One issue voting is not rational.

Sorry, but that's the case. Saying that you care ONLY about one issue? Suppose it's choice... so you only care abut that, and not healthcare in general? Or women's issues in general? How about the economy? How about Social Security?

I think when most "single issue voters" really think about it, they'll realize that looking only at one issue is an absurdly narrow view of politics.

[sabrina 1]

3. The Rule of Law is not a single issue. It affects every aspect of

our lives. It affects the wars we are illegally involved in.

The Wall St. Criminals, still not being even investigated as requested by Sen. Levin's Committee who found evidence of corruption and criminal activity which led to the collapse of the economy, and which he referred to the DOJ. To no avail so far.

It affects just about everything we do. The rule of law is the very foundation of this country. Every single elected official takes an oath to defend and protect it. That is how important the Founding Fathers believed it was.

It affects torture which at this point has now been accepted as a policy in this country. No one will be punished until we have a government that takes our laws seriously, and no victims will receive justice, in fact they are being denied it on a regular basis.

I agree with the OP. It is probably the single most important issue by which all others are affected. We have the situation we have today because the Rule of Law has been abandoned, in Watergate, in Iran Contra eg. Those criminals not being held accountable, left them free to return to power and to continue breaking our laws.

So imo, I think it is extremely lmportant that all candidates view it as imperative to restore this country to a point where laws were respected and to start prosecuting those still around, who have violated them. Other countries are doing so.

[atheistprogress]

6. Thanks for understanding the point.

[popsicle ricky]

4. voting is not rational

Why support a candidate who advocates things you find despicable?
Ending our militaristic mindset is more important than all else combined (to me).
Kucinich or Paul?

[atheistprogress]

5. I vote based on a few criteria

But the only issue I really care about is the only one that matters most.

Rule of law is not a GBLT issue, or a stoner issue, or a health care issue. Its a philosphy that has some how lost respect. Dont think me an accute ass-hole, or obtusely blind to the facts. Rule of law needs respect, otherwise we're back to the bush years... and trust me i remember them not fondly.

[canetoad]

9. I'm tempted to say

That a deep yearning for the rule of law takes you back not to the Bush years but to Old Testament times.

[fishbulb703]

2. Before the flames, I agree. Especially about the bankers.

[xchrom]

7. Either we are a nation of laws - applied equally - or we're not.

Right now, inequality before the law is as rampant as income disparity.

[xchrom]

8. Dupe