Now vote, motherfuckers

So, you don't feel engaged by Democracy. Who can blame you. After all, it seems like the fools are running the government at the local, state and federal level. But that's because enough of us don't vote to prevent the fools from running the government.

Maybe you can't make the council meetings, or get in the street and shout about war. But you can vote. People died to give you the opportunity to vote. People in countries where there is no vote, or the vote is meaningless (don't start, we'll talk about that later), would fight and die for the opportunity you have today. Cynicism is the mother of apathy. Apathy is the mother of dictatorships.

Here in Middletown, as in many municipalities, the vote is long. You don't have to vote for everyone. You don't have to vote party line. Vote for the people you know and trust. A no vote for a candidate you don't want, is a vote for his or her opponent. Just because there are eight candidates, doesn't mean you have to choose eight. Cast your ballot for responsive and responsible candidates.

I'm a lifelong Democrat. I've wavered in my support for the party of the ass often enough. Today I voted for two Republicans whom I think deserve a chance in town, David Bauer for Common Council and Catherine Johnson for Zoning and Planning.

You don't have to tell me who you voted for. Just vote.