Voting not voting 2016!

I find myself inexorably drawn to politics – while at the same time saying that politics is futile.  Just mainstream politics?  No, all of it: even the radical fringe that provides a more incisive view is still part of the big game, the big machine.  So with election season in full swing I’d like to consider avenues for real change.  What are some other ways to “vote”, i.e. alternative lifestyle choices, good philanthropic institutes to support, etc.

1. Nothing.  This ultimate option immediately comes to mind.  No, there are no avenues for real change.  And I’m not just saying this to set up a straw man to tear down.  Not doing anything is the same as doing something.  Actually, if participating in a calcified/corrupt/hypnotizing official political system is pointless, then we are all doing nothing anyway.  Maybe it feels good to vote: sure, that is easy to see.  You get the pat on the back and the “I voted” sticker.  You sacrificed for a change and took the extra time to rub shoulders your fellow proles in (meaningless) social pageantry.  Whatever, since: voting = not voting.

Proper placement of the "I voted" sticker - photo from T.r. Lang's post in Jill Stein's Dank Meme Stash

2.  Get radical.  Like environmental shit that Deep Green Resistance does.  (This might be the only/right answer).  As Derrek Jensen states, it is always good to have some activist project going.  And not just a protest revolving around the election – get out make your community better.

3.  Just wait.  The historical tides of demographics, the ratio between perceived-

disenfranchisement/actual-disenfranchisement, etc. will eventually have their say.  Change occurs because people try hard to create change.  But change takes time to build up.  Do people trying to cause change actually cause change?  Sure, they help.  But the change they try to affect could not happen without the dull weight of time.  Example gratia: is Hillary a war-criminal?  Yes.  Do popular conceptions allow the average American to see her as such?  No.  Not yet, despite the efforts of people getting radical.  If you are against war then of course you would not vote for Hill (vote for Jill!).

4.  Have fun!  Host an alternative election in your living room with your collection of weird dolls – or – wheelchair yourself to voting place then rise out of your chair and walk out proclaiming that “Voting works!  We do live in a democracy!” – or – stay at home chain-smoking while reading The Stranger.  Whatever you do this election cycle, be creative!