Get out and vote

Over and over again we hear that mantra, "Your vote counts1" Well, the myth that your vote will count for much of anything is one of the great opiates of democracy. It keeps us in control. When things go wrong we can only blame ourselves. Because either we did vote or we did not vote. Either way, we are to blame. We are the culprit.

As long as we entertain the idea that we the people, can change things very much by voting, we have the hope that things will change and so we are able to swallow those bitter pills of obscene fund raising, nepotism, pay-offs, kick-backs and outright criminality.

The political powers know better about your vote, a lot better. Long ago they learned that dollars translate into votes and they know where to get the dollars, the big dollars that is. And they like those little dollars too because those are harmless. They know they can buy your vote with a promise of a "stimulus rebate" check. (Who me?) But far be it from me to discourage you from voting. On the contrary, like a shot of booze, voting gives you a great feeling, a feeling that you are a part of things and participating, and that by voting someday things will get better.

And it is true. If you keep on voting, someday things will get changed and get better, but don't expect it to happen very soon.

Today's elections are up for grabs to bidders, not the highest bidder of statesmanship, or diplomacy, or patriotism, but to the guys with the bucks.

It's obscene! It's immoral! And some of it is even illegal!

But don't despair, stay in there and VOTE! And if you wish, I will even tell you how to vote.

Joseph Russell Vannier

Hoffman Estates