this is a start

Some might find it pointless and futile to not go to class because the prof said not to come if we did not vote. I could overlook the comment, arrive in class, think silently about what I believe and leave it at that. That's not how I roll. Not voting is a serious choice that I do not treat lightly.

I am an anarchist [I have been outed]. That does not mean that I throw bricks through random windows and want to violently destroy every microcosm of organization that exists. What I believe is that the system we have that is based on capitalistic and hierarchical ideas needs to change. Ideas are what keep it going, not it actually being right- it is the thought of it being right.

There needs to be true, deep, cleansing change, gutting change. The sort of change that does not come from voting booths. The very fundamental nature of the system needs to be redone. I do not have a blueprint for development of “the perfect society” but it is one where respect is given to individuals needs and consensus is reached on plans or ideas that should be implemented. I will, at some future time express my ideas of anarchism.

Even if you believe that the type of democracy we have is right, participation EVERYDAY is essential. How many years have politicians campaigned, been elected and then forgotten what they stood for? Most every time. They are not held accountable by the people who elect them.

I agree that this election was a particularly significant one. Having the first non-white president elect is seen by many as a massive achievement. People tried to tell me that of all times to lay down my ideologies this would be the time. On the contrary, this is the most important time to stand behind my anarchical beliefs. Close is not what I fight for. Close still disenfranchises people, still kills people, and tends to allow individuals to feel a false sense of success- leading them to believe they deserve rest.

Neither candidates, nor most any individual running for election, are going to attempt a legitimate end to the occupation of Iraq. They are not going to fight for a sustainable energy development, fight to end the rape of this earth. Which box do I check to end sweatshops? to say that I will only buy from companies that pay their workers a fair wage and allow union organizing to keep hierarchy extinct? There is not a check that can ever express that. I have a loud voice and I will run in the streets until we can collectively create true change. Voting is fear of exercising one's actual voice. Get out in the streets.

I know not everyone is able to participate in direct action or is comfortable being an activist. There are many ways that people who do not agree with militancy. Community actions like food cooperatives, volunteering with Food Not Bombs, tutoring in schools are all examples of such actions. Building a community and network is a highly effective way of protecting each other and gaining a voice.

Quite frankly we have reached a time where comfortablity is no longer a valid desire. I am speaking of laziness and expecting "change" from the simple act of checking a square on the ballot. If you believe that elections and voting are what will create a better, peaceful world and if you are going to vote, than vote and then (please) YELL! Do not shut up and wait for the next election. There are far too many people around the country and around the world who suffer every day from policies and implications of policies brought on by this system of government that I am begging to deconstruct. Speak up and don't shut up.

These thoughts are not articulated as smoothly or strongly as I would wish them to be. I am sure there are cavities in my ideas, but please ask me kindly and I will defend them, maybe. This is only a start, I have much more to explain and think about.