Apathy check

Years ago I used to be very politically active, participating in heated discussions and following campaigns passionately.  But every day now, I see a new headline about some new assholery perpetrated by our government or one of the 2008 candidates, and it just makes me want to withdraw from it all.  I’m burned out, and my ability to give a shit is slipping.

I still have my opinions, but I have absolutely zero confidence in any of the 2008 Presidential candidates.  Even if something appealing comes out of their mouths once in a while, I look at them and think 1) they’re most likely lying through their well-polished teeth, as politicians always do, and 2) even if they’re sincere, there’s no way their ambitious plans for the country will ever come to pass.  Do you really think the corporate, military, and “national security” interests that control our government will let anyone affect a scrap of change for the benefit of the people?  Why, that’s not profitable!  You’re just a figurehead as President…just submit and follow the orders of your corporate masters.  There’s a good boy.

And let’s face it:  Republicans and Democrats are simply two heads of the same animal.  They appear to have differing viewpoints, but obviously their job is simply to provide entertainment and distraction (with fighting and gridlock) while those behind the scenes make deals and pull strings.  This makes the idea of getting excited about any candidate seem a bit pointless to me.  The fact that this stupid war is still going on proves to me that the Democrats are completely limp on the subject.  Cowards.

Even if the candidates were able to actually do something positive as President, I have zero confidence in the average American voter to make an informed decision.  If the TV-obsessed American voters can elect a retarded little shitmonkey like George W. twice, they sure as hell won’t do any better next time.  (As for those third parties, they don’t stand a chance.  Americans are afraid to vote for anything other than Democrats or Republicans because they stupidly believe that they’re “wasting their votes”–as if voting for your principles is a waste!  I’ve been given so much shit for voting “outside the box” in the past that I simply don’t tell people who I vote for anymore.)

It’s a bleak view of things, but maybe I’ll snap out of it sometime down the road, who knows.  I just have this feeling that the game’s stacked against the voters and these elections are simply giving us the illusion that we have any control left.  I know in my heart that the winner won’t do much good for America, regardless of party (remember all the good things the Democrats were supposed to do with their newfound power?), so all I can do is just accept it and enjoy the entertainment they provide.  Maybe having zero expectations is the way to go.  Plus, there are more important things in my life that need attention than these well-dressed sock puppets.  Campaign all you want, you’re not getting a dime from me.

What we need is an Apathy Party for those who have lost all confidence in their government and the election process.  We’ll make plans to gather in large numbers to passionately talk about fighting for change, but on the day of the gathering we’ll all just say “Oh, why bother?” and go do something else instead.  Wouldn’t that be great?