The column “Politics is not a spectator sport” [Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Sept. 2] addresses the need for a voter to become a lobbyist, not a hobbyist. Be active, not passive, when it comes to voting. It uses that opening to build momentum toward countering the clear and present danger of the current administration. Of course, there is a dire need for getting rid of the radical and deadly Trump administration. The solution offered in the piece: “like them or not, the other party” is the answer. The Democratic Party.
The piece invokes the huge number of the electorate who don’t bother to cast a vote. The implication is that these potential voters could turn the tide and get the Democratic Party in position to fight back. As I read along, I could not help but find this column a bit condescending to those millions who don’t vote — for Red or Blue. That is, perhaps they genuinely feel they have nothing for which to vote! The advice that the Democrats or not, they are the answer, is also insulting to any critical thinking “lobbyist” trying to break the stranglehold on a two-party system that has clearly, irrefutably, failed we the people.
How so? Recently nine Democrats joined the GOP in a procedural resolution condemning socialism. Socialism? Oh, right, things like K-12 public education; fire departments; police and sheriff departments; public libraries; public roads and infrastructure; the postal service. The fear appeal is alive is well. On both sides of the aisle.
But never mind. You have no other choice but to vote for the Blues. The column makes sure to invoke the mantra perpetrated by the Establishment, to not “throw away your vote for a third party.” Any chance the majority of the non-voters want more choices than a Donkey or an Elephant? A Gallup poll shows 60% public support for adding a third party. But never mind, it’s the Democrats who are our only hope. Weren’t they in power with Joe Biden? 81 million voted for him to get rid of Trump. How did that work out?
But good luck in November. No third parties offered that might tempt you to throw away your right to be a critical thinking “lobbyist.” You have no choice but to support the system that has brought about our current dystopia, as the editorial piece in question here clearly establishes.
Sources:
89,278,948 no-shows for eligibility in 2024 election: U. of Florida Election Lab
Nine Democrats joined GOP in condemning socialism: CBSnews.com, News posting by Caitlin Yilek 9/1/26
Gallup poll showing 60% level of support for a third US political party: Gallup News: Politics, 10/20/2025; Jeffrey M. Jones
Joe Harrington is an Oak Park resident.