cxt wrote:Valkenar
The problem is that one mans "no problem" is anothers "vote buying."
Its a question of where to draw the line--and you'll never get folks to agree to exactly where the line should be drawn.
Would you feel the same about someone buying drinks for votes?
How about a gift worth less than $5? or how about $100?
Chris Thomas
Yes, it's somewhat subjective. Just a couple things. One is that it doesn't sound like he was telling them who to vote for. Obviously he wants them to vote for Kerry, but if we're going on technicalities, that's an important one. Also, in my mind it's not just about the worth of the gift. It's equally about the attitude of the gift. If it's a low-value gag (it's hard to give someone a yacht as a joke), then that's fine. If it's either high-value (like a yacht) or not really a joke (like $5 cash) then it's not so fine.
As for buying drinks? Well, that depends on the circumstance. If you ran into a bar at noon on election day and said "I'll buy a beer for anyone who goes out and votes right now" then no, I wouldn't have a problem with that. If they added "for _CANDIDATE-NAME_" then that would be wrong. If they give a speech about how much better one is, then said "Please vote _CANDIDATE-NAME_, but I'll buy anyone a beer to go vote right now, no matter who you vote for." then I would be inclined to give it a pass. Worth investigating to make sure it isn't true bribery or coercion? Sure. But illegal? I don't see why it should be, really.
I don't know what exactly Moore did. It's possible he overstepped the line, who knows. But from what I've read of it so far it seems much ado about nothing.
Bill:
I certainly see the point, but I think there are more shades of grey. Difference of opinion I suppose. I see room for a little joviality here.
Inidivual choice may be sacred, but it's not like accepting a package of underwear takes away that choice. Most of the pople going to a Moore rally to begin with know the score, know what it's all about.
How do you feel about MTV's Rock the Vote? Part of it, as I understand it, is free concerts to get people to go out and vote. I would say that the value of a concert far exceeds that of a package of underwear, and both are something exchanged with the hope (note, not any actual contract) that the receiver will go vote.