2 Matching Annotations
  1. Mar 2017
    1. All voting is a sort of gaming, like checkers or backgammon, with a slight moral tinge to it, a playing with right and wrong, with moral questions; and betting naturally accompanies it. The character of the voters is not staked. I cast my vote, perchance, as I think right; but I am not vitally concerned that that right should prevail. I am willing to leave it to the majority. Its obligation, therefore, never exceeds that of expediency.

      I believe that Thoreau is correct on his statement here as well, however it really isn't left to the public because of the electoral college and there has been a lot of controversy surrounding it. what would be the outcomes of some of the most controversial elections if the electoral college didn't exist

    2. But, to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.

      I think that overall Thoreau makes a valid point. there have been may cases where the government hasn't let the public know what they are doing to "keep us safe"; and they never really ask the public what we need. I think that if the government did this it would be for the better in my opinion.