" I know the two options I have are being slapped or stabbed, but I could also do nothing and let the person with the knife pick. Since I don't want to be slapped, I just won't choose"

This is what I hear whenever someone tells me how dumb I am for voting in self defense. I honestly wonder how many actually understand how electoral politics works. Or that there's no real way to opt out of the consequences of the election, so strategic voting is necessary to keep fascists out of power.

But they'll just tell me there's no difference between the parties, then go quiet when asked why the Democrats would have done all of the things they never said they'd do and a have actively opposed. Anything to prevent self reflection on the consequences others have to face as the result of the choices they make and the, I guess.