(ThyBlackMan.com) Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
Ambrose Bierce
I voted for the first time in 2008. I don’t plan on voting in 2012. And I won’t vote ever again in this country until a new day has arrived, a day in which ALL of the politicians are held accountable for the promises they make to ALL of the American people.
Before Obama came along, I shared a view similar to that of Mr. Bierce. Only it was a raw, immature, and probably misinformed version of that stance. I think I chose to be apathetic toward the American political process because I had 
heard Talib Kweli say in a song that he didn’t “f*ck with politics,” that he didn’t “even follow it.” Vulnerable as I was to such bold lyrics, I might’ve had a feeling deep down inside somewhere that American politics had always been shady. But I had no idea why. However, having now read a few books and done my own digging, I know why this country is primed for a real revolution and that votes alone will not help fix the economy, shrink the growing gap between the rich and the poor, end the senseless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or improve the education system. I know that voting will only yield more of the same; that “rocking the vote” will only further enable the wicked few to exploit the masses and hold them slaves to a fraudulent, broken system.
I hate that so many people gave their lives for future generations to participate in America’s lies. I have the same respect for them that one would have for the soldiers abroad right now who are fighting for a lost cause but nonetheless doing their duty, what they believe to be right, and having the courage to risk their own life. But I don’t believe in this country’s so-called Democracy. Sure, we can go out and vote and for the most part live better than some other countries do. But the “freedom” we enjoy is but another illusion to distract us from the truth. And the truth is that America has stolen nearly everything she has through weapons of war and finance. She is crumbling both literally and figuratively. Her institutions are cracking up, her money is losing value, and soon even the almighty military industrial complex won’t be able to cover up her enduring ugliness. She is the child of a revolution who now refuses to change herself. Finally, and most importantly, everyone here is free to participate in the so-called democratic process, but only the affluent are acknowledged.
This is why votes mean nothing to me. These politicians lie to and about each other. Why wouldn’t they lie to us? How can anyone expect people to keep going back to the polls like zombies and voting for a person whose words they simply cannot believe? Or are we supposed to just vote for the lesser of two evils? People say to me, “You have to vote. It’s your responsibility to make your voice heard.” They say, “Oh, you want the Tea Party to win? That’s what will happen if you don’t vote. You want the other side running this country?” I wonder if having one of the right wing zealots as president would make people angry enough to take to the streets and demand change like they did in Egypt. Maybe we all got a little too comfortable with Obama.
There were red flags about the president that I ignored because he said the right things and had “The Last Dragon” glow. But he’s no different from the others. I hoped he would spark the revolution this country so badly needs but he’s only proven tough enough to call Kanye West a jack-ass and pass a healthcare law that won’t be fully phased in until 2018.
I won’t be fooled anymore. Again, I know that countless black people and others sacrificed so that I could go vote, but this system wasn’t set up for the people or by the people. And from what I see, things haven’t changed all that much. There is only an illusion of change on which politicians base their entire campaign. What is alarmingly obvious is a perpetual overture of deceit, greed, and hatred. There is a constant perversion of the people’s sense of dignity, an outright dismissal of their intelligence, and a blatant assault on their basic human rights. Do not talk to me about China’s human rights record while the American political system is absolutely void of love or genuine compassion for the people it is supposed to serve.
True change is coming to this country, one way or another. America’s remake of the Roman Empire seems as evident as ever in what appears to be her gradual downfall. On the other hand, all hope is not lost if people, both young and old, rich and poor, and of all colors, ethnicities, and faiths can join forces and lead this country into its great potential. If the people could at least work together to rid this country of the greedy, war mongering, fear mongering few, perhaps she could progress into a nation which understands and embraces (not just tolerates) the uniqueness of all of its citizens. Otherwise, as long as we keep falling for the same old tricks and voting for the same old politicians, we might as well pull up a chair, have a hotdog and a beer, and watch as the United States of America, the richest, most powerful country in the world, flushes herself down the toilet.
Staff Writer; Jeremy Tate
To learn more about this talented brother feel free to visit; Return of the Black King.
One may also purchase JT book which is entitled; Heaven and Hell and Eating Too Many Lemon Heads.
