Despite what I knew would become the catcalls of betrayal to the third party cause and libertarian principles, I posted an endorsement of Scott Murphy to push back a bit against the horribly rigged system (and the opponent claiming innocence) that brought us down. It is interesting to note that the effort to spread that particular message went no further than our own website, but was picked up by many newspapers, radio stations and TV, even the Village Voice. Who says they're not paying attention to us ?
Of course anyone bound to inextricable principle or calling would not vote for one of the corporatist party candidates that have bankrupted the nation and engaged us in two occupations in Asia. The message was never intended for them. Instead it was a final shot across the bow of the camp that sunk us. Some call it spite, I'm not sure that I have the mental or emotional reserves to bother with such sentimental and shallow accusations. Those incensed enough to write us in or unconcerned about bothering in the event that we weren't an option, did what they felt they should. I've been writing in 'no confidence' for almost my entire adult voting life and know where those votes end up, no where. This last Tuesday I just didn't feel like getting the sympathetic poll watcher looks as I pretended to take part in the charade we consider our democracy. I didn't vote.
The delicious irony from all this is a tie vote total, two candidates in court and an absentee ballot out there that matters with our name on it. I couldn't have asked for a better ending.
Our neighbor forgot he'd be away this week for work and didn't get an absentee ballot. Crazy little Jack who lives above the Pub said he wouldn't vote if I wasn't on the ballot. At least two couples consisting of three Republicans wrote us in after being incensed at the mauling. Only one Sundwall voted as she explained to her visiting grand daughter why Uncle Eric wasn't on the ballot and how to write someone in. A women working at the McDonald's drive-thru asked if I was the one running, claiming she didn't like either candidate. An ex-school teacher reminded us to vote even after expressing disgust with all politicians . . .
I couldn't urge people to vote on election day as a guest on a local radio show. Instead I quickly outlined the reason not to legitimize the process. The TV reporter who claimed I wasn't a factor two weeks ago and came to interview me because I was, seemed surprised when I said I didn't vote. The one who actually gave me time and credit also seemed shocked with such a revelation.
Whatever happens in the end, it's clear that our red and blue rulers suck. Whether it's the warfare or the welfare state that each side equally blames or embraces, there is no liberty or freedom in the equation. When reporters grasp at alternatives to stimulus and bailouts they don't have an adequate historical or intellectual skill set to offset the spoon fed babble that politicians garble at them. Thoughtful and alternative dialogue is almost impossible in the electoral arena. Unfortunately, even the real egghead outlets are not enough. One thing is certain, I've had enough of trying . . .
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