The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

You do not rent your
life from others who
demand your
obedience.
Extract from
Jonathan’s Guiding
Principles.
Chapter 26 • True Believer
In desperation, others show their disapproval
by making the effort to vote and spoil their ballot
paper on purpose. However, politicians could
construe this as being the voters’ ignorance of
voting procedure.
Some people vote because it is the only means
of self-defence they have against the impositions
of the state. Few of these people believe that the
person or party for whom they are voting will
actually carry out their promises. Thinking back
to the poster promises from the previous election
would make it clear that promises were not kept.
Despite the harmful lies, some abused voters, like
abused spouses, often keep returning to vote for
the biggest, strongest party.
Most people prefer to make up their own
minds, but this can be diffi cult when governments
use their power of control and intimidation
to infl uence reports, radio, television, and
universities. People in the government-owned
or subsidised media often promote government
propaganda because government provides their
bread and butter.
Some voters choose to prevent a certain
amount of future abuse by voting for a party other
than the strongest party (or parties). Increasing the
infl uence of smaller parties can upset the collusion
tactics between powerful politicians and special
interest groups. This prevents the established
“old order” from becoming entrenched. With this
option, voters might prevent a dictatorship of one
person or one party. Political competition might
result in less corruption, fewer restrictive laws,
and more individual freedom.
Background
Simon from the game “Simon Says”.
References
For the psychology of voting, see A Liberty
Primer by Alan Burris.
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