Comment by toss1

Yes, Netanyahu is bad for everyone and must go. But Netahyahu did not prevent funding via the RU=>Iran=>Qatar=>Hamas pipeline. Not the same as funding it, but still incredibly stupid.

Agree: Hamas =/= Palestinian people. They are an absolute plague on the Palestinian people. Their leaders literally and openly call for Palestinian people to be "martyred, more of them". Using the people they are supposed to protect as human shields, and martyring them as a publicity stunt to gain sympathy is about as evil as it gets; and nevermind making shelters for themselves but not for any civilians, or stealing all the aid. Even if the 2006 election where Hamas supposedly won is considered free & fair (dubious), it has been 17 years since then. No Gazan under the age of 35 ever voted for Hamas.

>>I am from the US. My vote is useless. No party or candidate representing my interests can run, much less win.

Your vote is far from useless. But we must deal with a fundamental flaw in the First-Past-The-Post voting system used almost everywhere in the US. It mathematically forces 1- or 2-Party rule. All others are spoilers, helping elect the worst possible candidate from the POV of the people voting 3rdPty. Ranked Choice Voting fixes this flaw, but it is only in lower races in Maine and a few other locales. Push for it whenever you can.

You also are evidently under the misconception that voting is some kind of contest of finding a perfect candidate. It is not. It is a strategic choice among people/parties who will administer the government. Demanding a 'perfect' candidate to bother to vote ensures that you will get the worst possible outcome. (Again, RCV will give 3rdPtys a chance, and allow voting for them in a way that won't force a worst-choice to win)

And if you think it is bad now, you need to read on countries which have fallen to authoritarianism. Look at Russia, where 20% still lack even indoor plumbing [0], and of course if you say anything like what you just said here, you'll get a visit from the police. The US is under direct threat of that kind of administration in the next election. Hungary has already fallen.

Today, there is literally only one issue to vote on, and that is which party is going to preserve democracy, as without that, we will never get another worthwhile candidate. Which party is attempting to allow more, and more fair, voting, reading, healthcare, etc., and which is suppressing and gerrymandering voting, banning books and healthcare, etc.? Which leader is literally saying he'll "be a dictator on Day 1"? Until we get Ranked Choice voting, there is only the top two to choose from, and there is no choice if you ever want the possibility of another candidate again. Vote wisely and strategically.

[0] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/04/02/indoor-plumbing-st...