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Our So-Called Democracy
Jan. 8th, 2008 06:08 pm
When the winter depression kicks in, I often think Michigan would be better off if we weren't part of the United States at all. Think about it. In our perpetual depression, the rest of the country treats us like we were some third-world toilet already. If we really were, we could cut our taxes-- since we're a net exporter of Federal tax dollars each year. We could even apply for foreign aid.
But we're part of a proud Tradition of Democracy, where we can choose those who lead us. Right?
Bollocks.
You see, after decades of taking whatever Iowa and New Hampshire gave us, our esteemed legislature moved our Presidential primary ahead to a point where we might still actually have some say in the matter. Whereupon the Democratic Party said "Hey! You can't do that! Only Iowa and New Hampshire matter! We're decertifying your primary!" Which they did. So all but I think two of the candidates dropped out, including any that any sane person would wish to elect.
It's rather Orwellian, when you stop to think of it. The Ministry of Plenty gives you poverty, the Ministry of Peace sends you to war, the Ministry of Truth lies to you, and the Democratic Party takes away your right to vote.
What's really amazing is that the Democrats, having showed they don't give a crap about us, still expect us to give a crap about them. I don't know. For the first time since I gained the right to vote, I might just sit this one out.
But as for the rest of you, please be sure to choose a good President. Those of us living in the Third World are watching you with a sort of vague, detached interest.
But we're part of a proud Tradition of Democracy, where we can choose those who lead us. Right?
Bollocks.
You see, after decades of taking whatever Iowa and New Hampshire gave us, our esteemed legislature moved our Presidential primary ahead to a point where we might still actually have some say in the matter. Whereupon the Democratic Party said "Hey! You can't do that! Only Iowa and New Hampshire matter! We're decertifying your primary!" Which they did. So all but I think two of the candidates dropped out, including any that any sane person would wish to elect.
It's rather Orwellian, when you stop to think of it. The Ministry of Plenty gives you poverty, the Ministry of Peace sends you to war, the Ministry of Truth lies to you, and the Democratic Party takes away your right to vote.
What's really amazing is that the Democrats, having showed they don't give a crap about us, still expect us to give a crap about them. I don't know. For the first time since I gained the right to vote, I might just sit this one out.
But as for the rest of you, please be sure to choose a good President. Those of us living in the Third World are watching you with a sort of vague, detached interest.
