This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things: 22 Times People Failed At Democracy
No, you should not write in Big Bird's name for president.
Democracy is a beautiful thing.
Whether it's the kind of democracy involved in a presidential election or something as simple as choosing the next flavor of Mountain Dew, democracy gives all of us a voice. It also empowers all people, regardless of their background, to run for office. Shouldn't everyone be able to enjoy what democracy has to offer?
Of course we believe they should. Of course we do. I mean, okay, there are some pretty dumb people out there and it's kind of infuriating my vote counts as much as theirs do and they get to be mayors and council members and here I am writing about those exact people. But of course they should be allowed to enjoy democracy like us. Of course.
Alright, fine, you got me. I can't keep up the sham. There are some cringeworthy people who just shouldn't be allowed to participate in democracy. Why? These 22 things that actually happened in all kinds of democracies should be more than enough evidence.
1. When this guy showed up to vote in a banana costume
2. When the public was given the ability to vote on new names for Robert E. Lee Elementary
3. When Red Robin let people nominate and vote for their next burger
4. When the public thought they had actually voted no one into office
5. When nobody saw anything wrong with these signs
6. When Ana thought this student council election poster was a good idea
7. When this guy revealed he knowns nothing about democracy, let alone anything at all
8. When Richard Pootman's election sign got graffitied
9. When Jesus, Big Bird and Willie Nelson got a surprising number of votes in Texas during the 2012 presidential election
10. And similarly, when Big Bird showed up to the polls (and probably voted for himself)
11. When this guy decided to use his resemblance to Peter Griffin as a campaign tool
His name is Ross Hussey.
12. When the public had their say in the Mountain Dew naming contest
13. When this politician didn't foresee the perils of using his birth name in politics
14. When this guy ran for council with a salty slogan
15. When this girl thought presidential elections were like "The Voice"
16. When this gentleman's club formed an unholy bond between government and live nudes
17. When the British public collectively decided they wanted to name the newest $380 million government research vessel "Boaty McBoatface"
Boaty McBoatface. Classic.
18. When this person publicly declared voting isn't for them
19. When this kid was basically the mascot of all republican voters
20. When someone thought Donald Trump was a literal gift from God
21. When somebody voted for Zoidberg from "Futurama" as a write-in
22. When this Toronto mayoral candidate's slogan kind of missed the whole point
Welcome to democracy!
