It is way too easy to make a difference.
Even in an election.
You would think that an old cynical guy lke myself would be more "realistic" about the value of a vote.
I know how our multi-party riding system works. I know how
thousands of votes get lost in our elections. I know how minority points of view end up holding majority power in our parliament. I know how the
ability to spend significant sums in media gives a candiate an advantage. I know where that money comes from. I know how the corporate interests work to lobby and support so the politicians are beholding to the CEOs and shareholders after they get into office.
I also know that there are
better electoral systems being used around the world.
I know how the "old boys" want you to stay disinterested and out of the way. They want you to think you can't make a difference.
But I also know it is way too easy to make a difference. It may not be the deciding difference but it is a difference. Really,
who can make a
deciding difference in an election?
Tell me, which person's vote counts more than once?
Which person's vote gets counted if it is not cast?
The truth is, the value of a vote is just ONE. And nobody's vote counts for more than one (not in Canada anyway). And it is only counted when it is cast. The only reason we have the same old shit in government is because the people who want the same old shit vote and the people who do not want the same old shit don't vote.
It is that simple. It is not more complex than that.
And the people who want the same old shit are happy that you don't vote. That was the plan. Get you so disinterested that you won't vote.
Maybe if they dishearten you enough you might be tricked into thinking your vote won't count.
But that's irrational. Illogical. Incorrect.
Every vote counts. It can't
not count. Impossible.
You say their vote cancels out yours. I say your vote cancels out theirs. But if you don't vote, they win.
What I know is that life is lived choice by choice. When you don't make a choice, someone else does it for you.
Power is about the control, influence or seduction of a choice.
If you feel angry, afraid or excited, there is power at play.
Do you feel angry about this election? Maybe a little scared?
If you feel like you can't vote because you are angry or afraid, well then someone is using power on you.
And if you
don't vote, then their power dynamic succeeded.
True power is being able to make a choice regardless of the power against you.
This Thought For The Day was sent to me at Xmas time by a couple of power students.
It talks about the ability to make a difference.
TFTD
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"
