Voting Dilemma

To the Editor:

The economy is one of the most important issues in the upcoming election. I am finding it impossible to vote for either candidate because neither of their solutions will work in the long run.

Both philosophies conceal the same fundamental errors. One of those errors is the belief that economies can, should and always will grow.

Economic growth, as we have known it since the end of hunter/gatherer societies, is dependent on more people exchanging more money, and consuming greater quantities of energy and natural resources to sustain it.

We have been convinced that perpetual economic growth is not only possible, but necessary and part of what makes us the (self proclaimed) greatest nation on earth.

To equate increases in consumption with progress and/or growth is an unsustainable, dangerous, ignorant approach to economics. To believe that capital is wealth whose purpose is to produce more wealth is also inherently unsustainable.

We seem to finally be realizing that there are environmental limits to growth but if you do an internet search on the raw materials needed for the manufacturing of cell phones and computers, I think you will be alarmed.

You will understand why I want to vote for a leader that will support a plan for the earth, as well as for an economy that is not based on the current established definition of growth.

If either candidate were to stand up for a plan to improve the human condition (not just American humans) that included an admission that our definition of growth needs to change, and attempt to convince us that a non-growing economy can be strong, fulfilling, interesting and secure, I would gladly vote for them.

Will I be considered un-American if I give in to another established norm at election time, voting a party line even though the best candidate from that party never even got nominated because they did not have enough money or "influence?"

Should I submit to the same belief that I think many Americans have adopted, choosing “the lesser of two evils?" Or, should I be an intelligent voter?

Robert J. Dow

Waterford