Liar, Liar

Dear Democracy,


Someone once put it succinctly for me: You, Democracy, are based on the premise that the average person can tell right from wrong.


That rang true. True and simple. Still, Americans are managing to fail you Democracy. And I know part of the reason. Obviously, you can Only work if we have honest leaders. How can I tell right from wrong if my leaders are lying to me?


I really think that many honest people are terrified of becoming involved in politics because they fear for their souls. Isn't that sad? I'm not making an argument that you should take Religion to bed with you Democracy, but shouldn't the politicians who champion you have healthy souls? Shouldn't any leader of a people? I get a mental picture of Cheney's soul: Its eyes are the largest, roundest curves on its whole torture-wracked metaphysical body.



People complain that you are falling apart because of voter apathy. Well, I know why I'm apathetic: I don't like being lied to. It insults me. My apathy springs from a lack of desire to dedicate my every free second to sorting through all the lies, half-truths, and misrepresentations this country's leaders throw on my lap daily. I don't even think it's possible. I feel that it's pointless to participate as I am effectively blind. Perhaps this is working to George Bush's advantage, though? This is my new idea, and since I'm at a loss, I'll connect it to a ray of hope.


Becuase I have to admit: I haven't given political participation a try. I haven't had the stomach to so far (not that I would find it terribly appealing at the best of times). But since we do have you, Democracy, and you do depend on my participation, then I am only adding to the problem by not participating at all, aren't I? I believe in you still, Democracy. So I'll give you this much of a try: I'll vote. And not just in November. But it's hard. Because I don't trust any of the candidates.


That's what I can do. With my background and generally mild interest in politics, all that should be expected of me is to tell right from wrong. I can do that. So we'll see if my ability can even be applied to American democracy today.

Your Pal,
Non-Enthused Voter