Presidential Hopefuls

Thought I'd revisit this election information clearinghouse. The third parties are by far the most interesting tickets. Leonard Peltier is running from Leavenworth; the Personal Choice Party features a porn star in its VP seat; there's a Prohibition Party that's clearly anti-anything you might consider a good time; it warms my evil, wealth-sharing heart to see how many godless communists have shown up; and somewhere in there is Ralph's latest vanity run.

Just more proof that disenchantment with the major parties is no excuse for not voting. And remember, should you fail to cast a vote for president this year, your attempts at political argument on this blog will be met with comment deletion. Hell, write someone in if you can't find anyone on this lengthy list who suits your needs -- just make sure to remember the qualifications candidates must fill.

I'm dead serious, folks. With rights come responsibilities. The right to vote means being responsible for your own representation in our government. I take issue with many of the ways in which representation is skewed in this country by interests outside of the citizenry. There is no reason that citizens have to be complicit in this.

My demographic is especially likely to let their grandparents be their political voice, and the major parties are perfectly happy to let them. Remember the huge stink surrounding hanging chads and desperate Democrats after the 2000 election? You'll notice there's been no huge push on the part of the party to counter voter apathy in hopes of avoiding a recurrence. Both parties are best served by a complacent constituency; it is easier to pander to the interests of one or two similar demographics than to try to create policy that benefits everyone. So stick it to 'em: vote. It's the best way to tell your government that you expect them to do their jobs and represent you.