Reading through the Norm topic, I notice a pretty common thread is complaining about all the options and refusing to vote for the "lesser of two evils".

With all due respect, that's just stupid and here is why.

The election is only the very last stage of a VERY long process. If you don't like your options in November, I have to ask "where were you in February and what did you do???". If your answer is anything short of "I showed up at my caucus, raised hell and got myself elected a delegate" then you have only yourself to blame for your current options.

In February we had our precinct caucuses, there you show up at the party of your choice. You suggest changes to the party platform but most importantly you elect delegates. Those delegates represent you at the local conventions were they pick which candidates will likely be on the ballot in November. They also pick delegates to represent them at higher conventions which determine whose on the ballot in the higher races, such as, for example, the US Senate race.

So if you don't like both Coleman, Franken or Barkley and you weren't involved in the process, then tough shit, that's your penalty for not being involved.

Quite frankly it annoys me, as an involved person that absolutely despises Coleman (and I'm a Republican!) that potential allies who could have helped get someone else nominated chose to just sit on the sidelines and bitch. Especially when you consider that this group isn't exactly inclined to sit around and not voice their opinion.

In short, your time to bitch about options and your preferred party's candidate was back in February. Now it's October, time for bitching is over. Stamping your foot like a two year old and declaring life unfair is ignoring your own role.

Ok that's enough, now it's your turn to flame me.

Was elected delegate, attended several caucii in their enormous entireties. Will continue bitching.

As you should. You tried to change it for the better. Unfortunately majority rules and whoever shows up wins. Complaining that you didn't win and you didn't show up just seems extremely silly to me.

But thank you for showing up.

Also attended the caucus. I was an alternate delegate, because I didn't know enough about the process and allowed people to put their neighbors up delegate process even though they were't in attendance.

I am not throwing a tantrum because my guy didn't win. I am however voting for the person that most resembles my values and beliefs.

Wow. I'm really sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't know we had to be INVOLVED in politics if we wanted to TALK politics.

I guess back in Feb. I should have rubbed my crystal ball and forseen that Coleman would vote yes on a socialist bailout package with pork spilling out the seams. You've really shown me the light.

To be fair, you could have rubbed just about anything and seen that outcome.

Anything?

Anything. Really it wasn't very hard, Norm was a Democrat not that long ago. At least your senator is up for election this year. Kohl isn't up til 2012 by which time most of WI voters will have forgotten his Yes vote on the bailout.

You didn't hurt my feelings and you can certainly talk about it.

But bitching how you don't like your options is a little like Fargo complaining they never win the SuperBowl.

Me too. Why would anyone assume otherwise?

Because in my experience, many of the people who complain about their options are the same people that barely show up in November, much less show up through the process that selects those options.

The people that show up through the process generally understand that the time for complaining was months ago and don't make the "I'm not voting for the lesser of two evils" "principled" stand.

In my experience, that stand is generally to compensate for laziness or apathy previously in the year.

Those of you that participated in the process, thank you for showing up. Sorry it didn't turn out how you wanted, but the point is you tried. Hopefully next time.

Nothing that I like better than being lectured to by some one who has all the answers. I bow to your moral superiority. I was thinking about making a reference on arrogance and conceit but I won't. This election cycle was stacked against conservatives from day one. With Bush's numbers, Acorn's stacking the deck, and the media going Obasmic, there was never a chance. The only way conservatives will see any kind of power in the near future is if we get attacked, Russia dials up it's aggression, or Iran tries to take out Israel. But unlike liberals who are always praying for defeat or some other catastrophic event that will put them in power, I wish no such tragedy befalls our country. The biggest tragedy will occur in 22 days. I apologize because evidently it's my fault for not doing enough to get Fred Thompson elected.

I feel that anyone who votes and does not like the outcome has the absolute right and my respect to complain anyway they want.

I caucused. I don't like Norm and won't be voting for him.