There is another political party that has problems of its own. In many ways it is equally sold out, not to Greenpeace but to the same megacorporate interests as their counterparts. They demonstrate that being sold out by refusing to fight; for refusing to stand on any principles whatsoever.
Together, these parties create a system that seems to support the status quo, that suppresses new voices and new ideas, and that makes you wonder who is who.
Meanwhile, the struggle of life has many people feeling exhausted and demoralized. People feeling stripped of not just their humanity but also of their basic energy are not necessarily in a position to participate, or to fight. People who are "entertained to death" may see little reason to get up off the couch, as long as they still have one.
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Despite many appearances, the political system is not as monolithic as it seems. There are many voices, many points of view, and yes, there is a power structure that marginalizes and silences many of them. The other thing to remember is that nothing is as intractable as it seems. Nothing is as permanent. The wheel of progress, or of karma, or of justice, is always turning, no matter how slowly.
While we are alive, there remains a future, and while there are people younger than us, there remains a future worth investing in. Cynicism is not a viable position because on its own, it will produce nothing. Hope is not a viable position, because it does not lead to progress, and it can be as paralyzing as bitterness.
Between these two extreme polarities we have the power to do what we can. My position on voting is that it's vitally important—and not the only important thing. It is, however, a first step. Just showing up to the polls, even if you submit a blank ballot as a protest, is evidence that people on the ground, which holds up the political ladder, are awake and paying attention.
For many years, I was so disgusted that I did not vote. I participated in issues as a journalist, where I had much more influence than a ballot. At some point I changed my mind and made a different decision. It went something like this: I looked at who was benefiting from lack of participation, and I figured out that the other guys were a little better. It was that simple.
I also decided that it would be personally hypocritical to advocate awareness of politics and participation in politics and also set the example of not participating on the most basic level. So, I plan to vote in the November 4 national and local elections. I will need to hold my nose in some races, and I may write in the names of my friends in others. But I will be there.
