Wild Wild Left Radio #80 To Vote or Not to Vote...

Not a bad idea... (10.00 / 1)

BURN THE BALLOTS 2010!!!!

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by: Diane Gee @ Fri Sep 10, 2010 at 17:00:53 PM UTC

Actually - (0.00 / 0)

That's NOT a bad idea...

g.

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by: gottlieb @ Fri Sep 10, 2010 at 20:18:12 PM UTC

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A classic quote on the futility of voting (11.00 / 1)

A voice from the past that is more relevant now than ever:

"All voting," says Thoreau, "is a sort of gaming, like checkers, or backgammon, a playing with right and wrong; its obligation never exceeds that of expediency. Even voting for the right thing is doing nothing for it. A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority." A close examination of the machinery of politics and its achievements will bear out the logic of Thoreau.

What does the history of parliamentarism show? Nothing but failure and defeat, not even a single reform to ameliorate the economic and social stress of the people. Laws have been passed and enactments made for the improvement and protection of labor. Thus it was proven only last year that Illinois, with the most rigid laws for mine protection, had the greatest mine disasters. In States where child labor laws prevail, child exploitation is at its highest, and though with us the workers enjoy full political opportunities, capitalism has reached the most brazen zenith.

Even were the workers able to have their own representatives, for which our good Socialist politicians are clamoring, what chances are there for their honesty and good faith? One has but to bear in mind the process of politics to realize that its path of good intentions is full of pitfalls: wire-pulling, intriguing, flattering, lying, cheating; in fact, chicanery of every description, whereby the political aspirant can achieve success. Added to that is a complete demoralization of character and conviction, until nothing is left that would make one hope for anything from such a human derelict. Time and time again the people were foolish enough to trust, believe, and support with their last farthing aspiring politicians, only to find themselves betrayed and cheated.

It may be claimed that men of integrity would not become corrupt in the political grinding mill. Perhaps not; but such men would be absolutely helpless to exert the slightest influence in behalf of labor, as indeed has been shown in numerous instances. The State is the economic master of its servants. Good men, if such there be, would either remain true to their political faith and lose their economic support, or they would cling to their economic master and be utterly unable to do the slightest good. The political arena leaves one no alternative, one must either be a dunce or a rogue.

The political superstition is still holding sway over the hearts and minds of the masses, but the true lovers of liberty will have no more to do with it. Instead, they believe with Stirner that man has as much liberty as he is willing to take. Anarchism therefore stands for direct action, the open defiance of, and resistance to, all laws and restrictions, economic, social, and moral. But defiance and resistance are illegal. Therein lies the salvation of man. Everything illegal necessitates integrity, self-reliance, and courage. In short, it calls for free, independent spirits, for "men who are men, and who have a bone in their backs which you cannot pass your hand through.

A selection from the essay "Anarchism: What it Really Stands For" by Emma Goldman

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by: Elián Maricón @ Fri Sep 10, 2010 at 21:33:23 PM UTC

Listened... (& a new idea) (0.00 / 0)

and a much better show than I had imagined.

Not that I didn't think it was a nice conversation, but I worried that it lacked the fire... but it was totally made up in measured reason.

It was an easy listen, with many great food for thought points. Liked it.

My Mike added "There needs to be an option on every ballot that says "None of the above" and if a majority pick this option; then they HAVE TO hold a new election with new candidates."

Brilliant. Fucking Brilliant.

You don't give us viable options, swipe the slate and start over. Eventually they will have to run people that represent us.

THAT would get people VOTING.

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by: Diane Gee @ Sat Sep 11, 2010 at 02:22:47 AM UTC

That IS a great idea...n/t (10.00 / 1)

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by: gottlieb @ Sat Sep 11, 2010 at 02:53:38 AM UTC

[ Parent ]