'Til The Cows Come Home

Crock The Vote: My Political Rant

Several of my friends have said that they can't believe that I haven't been watching the presidential and vice-presidential debates or getting more involved with the election on a local level.  I felt it was time to tell the public why I tend to stay out of politics.  I feel an uncontrolled vent coming on, so pardon any rambling:
 
For starters, I think all politicians are slimy and do very little in the way of accurately representing their constituents' needs and beliefs.  Politicians aren't about representation; they are about egotism and the fulfillment of a personal agenda.  They are about doing their best to appeal to every single demographic out there by spinning their personal views however necessary to paint themselves in a flattering light depending on which group they are trying to impress at that given moment.  It doesn't matter whether they are Republican, Democrat or Independent because they all do it.  Even the politicians with the best intentions have no choice but to bring out the worst in their opponents because negativity and cruelty are the only true ways to make an impression.
 
Despite the fact that I am a registered Democrat, I find both parties to be thoroughly disgusting.  I may find John McCain sketchy and repulsive but I find Barack Obama just as untrustworthy and slippery.  When I cast my ballot it's less about sticking by my party than voting down the person who disgusts me the least.  I don't feel either of them will actually make my life better.  I know that doesn't sound very patriotic of me.  But that's how I see it.  When we live in a country where every person is granted basic human rights and the opportunity to have honest representation in the government then I'll gladly rethink my position. 
 
And speaking of positions, a lot of my problems with government stem from the fact that I'm a minority.  And I'm not just talking about being a white boy in Queens (which in and of itself doesn't sound like an actual minority position, but you sit in the Queens County Supreme Court jury pool and take a look around and count the crackers...it made me exuberantly happy to see such incredible diversity).  There's the obvious gay minority, which has almost no representation in politics.  Sure, there are a growing number of openly-gay elected officials and perhaps they are more sensitive to listening to their gay constituents.  But a constituent is a constituent and even the most gay-hating politician has a duty to heed the call of their electorate.  This, of course, will never happen but that's the history of politics.
 
The second minority I am in is an even smaller one than the homo niche, and that is the minority of Those Who Feel Organized Religion Is A Crock And To Blame For Almost Everything Else.  I may not personally believe in God but I acknowledge that other people out there do.  And I have no problem with people having faith, be it generic or devout, based in whatever religion suits them.  I think that's another beautiful aspect of being on this planet - the diversity of religion can open up the mind and the soul to so many possibilities and provide multiple ways to examine one's own life.  My problem is with the zealots who think that their God is the Be All and End All of Gods and think anyone else is bat-shit crazy.  These are the people who are holding back society because from the word "Go!" they have already closed their minds and refused to acknowledge that part of being an American is celebrating difference.  And, unfortunately, almost every politician out there has to have these people on their side or else risk losing the election.  There is no true separation of Church and State in this country and that is a huge problem.  People use their religious values to inhibit the growth of our nation rather than celebrate the diversity, learn from each other, and advance our common agenda as human beings.  And, sadly, this is something that will never change.
 
America - the country where there is no room for individuality.  America - the land of repression and inequality.  America - our spiritual and emotional borders are closed.  America - where it doesn't matter if you're a half-black Hawaiian or an aging septuagenarian millionaire vying for the White House because despite your best intentions everyone will find a reason to bring you down in the eyes of others.
 
I know that I'm mostly preaching to the choir here at The Barn but please comment if you'd like.  I'm very open to the criticism.  But don't turn it into a personal, moral attack like our "leaders" do.  I'm willing to celebrate the fact that you have a different opinion and am glad to hear that you have one.  Just don't simply tell me that I'm wrong, because that shows me you're unable to offer the same respect.  Perhaps your difference in opinion may enlighten me and give me food for thought.  And that would make me exceptionally proud to be a human, even if I'm not all that proud to be an American.