[js8]

I can understand it's tiring. But, as someone who was born in totalitarian regime - you still have plenty opportunities to change things in the U.S. Many U.S. states have direct democracy, which is unique in vast majority of the world. You still have free media. You can influence primaries of the two parties.

I don't think people are "protest" voting. You're the one protest voting - by not voting at all. You should ask yourself, why they bother, when you do not.

[iamnothere]

The system does not allow good candidates to make it through to a vote. (When it does, they are quickly either ejected or “brought in” to the system.)

There are other, more effective ways to vote than at the ballot box. Money, time, voice (depending on your reach), protest, direct action can all have a greater impact.

IMHO building parallel systems is the most important thing right now, as the primary political system is entering a period of crisis that it may not survive. Parallel systems, especially strong local systems, have a long and successful history.

[jibal]

> The system does not allow good candidates to make it through to a vote.

This simply isn't true. What is true is that there's a strong bias which makes it harder, but hyperbole is a form of lying.

> There are other, more effective ways to vote than at the ballot box. Money, time, voice (depending on your reach), protest, direct action can all have a greater impact.

False dichotomy/strawman ... no one said there aren't ... and many of these ways affect who wins elections.

I won't respond further.

[iamnothere]

You ignored the second part of my statement:

> (When it does, they are quickly either ejected or “brought in” to the system.)

As shown with Bernie (co-opted) and most recently with Massie (ejected). You’re not voting your way out of this.

[yonaguska]

Oh, I still vote. I feel that if I don't, then I have no right to complain. no matter how unhappy I am with the candidates.