Why Your Vote Doesn’t Matter

As we near the 2008 Presidential Election, and commercials telling us how important our vote is begin to grow in numbers, I would like to remind you that your vote doesn’t really matter.  Along with incredible fraud that is occuring at ballot casting sites across the country, there are many other factors working against you- the ‘voter.’

Why your vote doesn’t matter:  The Electoral College

There are many factors that work together to make your vote useless, but the main reason why your vote doesn’t matter has to do with a little thing we call the Electoral College.  The electoral college system dates back to ancient times, probably for the sake of offering representation to peons who couldn’t vote themselves. 

Today, however, most everyone is capable of voting themselves- yet we insist on this silly ‘middle man’ system anyway.  So the electoral college is a group of electors who are actually the ones whose votes do matter.  Each state has a different number of electors, so some states carry more weight than others.  The number of electors is determined by adding a state’s Senators (2) with US Representatives (varies depending on state’s population).  For example, Illinois has 21, California has 55, North Dakota has 3.  So, Califonians are more important from Illinoisans (?), who are more important than North Dakota.

When you cast your ballot on election day, you are really just voting for whoever the elector is that said they would vote for you candidate.  So if you go and check the John Edwards box, you are really checking the box of Joe Elector who says if he got elected for the college he will vote for Edwards.  Then, you put your trust into the hands of a guy who SAYS he will vote for Edwards, but who really knows?  And, for North Dakota, he doesn’t carry much weight anyway because he is only 1 out of 538 votes cast in the college.

Why do we still use this literally ancient system?  I don’t know.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to have everyone vote, and then count the votes, and then whoever gets the most votes wins?  I guess maybe that would take too long… so much for fairness.

An Example of How the Electoral College is Not a Fair Representation of the Little Person’s Vote:

The 2000 Election:  Al Gore had more ‘real’ votes (had we counted votes in a normal way), but according to the Electoral College he had less. 

Now, you may think- oh we’ve all heard of that one, it’s been beaten to death- but I am going to keep talking about it because although we KNOW, as a fact, that the 2000 elections were unfair and incorrect (for reasons besides the electoral college thing, which sadly is perfectly legal) we haven’t done a thing about it, and actually let it happen AGAIN in 2004.  ONE article of many suggesting this.  And we’re obviously letting it happen again.

Part 2:  Faithless Electors

A faithless elector is a member of the electoral college who says they are going to vote for one candidate, and then votes for someone else.  This behavior is punishable, but no FE has ever actually been punished.  Apparently FE’s have never changed the outcome of an election,  but I wonder.  That’s personal opinion, but take some time to think about it yourself.

Part 3:  ‘Winner’ Takes All

Another part of the electoral college which makes no sense is this:  After the electoral votes are cast, whoever gets the most votes in that state ‘wins’ and gets that state’s whole vote.  So if Clinton gets 40 out of 55 electoral votes in California, California switches and ALL 55 of it’s votes go to Clinton.  So during elections, when you hear about which candidates win which states, it’s not a matter of who gets the most votes, really, it’s who gets ALL the votes for that state.  So, for example, Clinton could ‘win’ all of California’s 55 votes even though technically she only got 40.  These numbers add up, and by taking away votes from other candidates who don’t get the majority of the state, this nullifies your vote and actually GIVES it to a candidate you did not vote for.  If you vote for McCain, but the majority of the electoral college votes for Clinton (just an example) then YOUR votes flips to Clinton as well. 

So, because we still insist on using the Electoral College as our method of choosing leaders, YOUR VOTE DOESN’T MATTER- unless of course EVERYONE votes for the same person.  The electoral college racks up big number fast for the front runners, and almost immediately nullifies votes for anyone else.  So after the big states flip to whoever the majority of the college votes for (not the majority of the PEOPLE), it’s pretty much a done deal.  You can go ahead and vote anyway, I’m going to, but just keep in mind that unless everyone else votes the same as you- your vote, more likely than not, will eventually go to a candidate you are not supporting. 

This is foolish, and makes no sense, but until we get off our asses and stop reading stupid articles like this and instead DEMAND a change, we’re going to keep getting Presidents in office who we did not elect.  I don’t know about you, but after some pretty shitty elections in the past I’m ready to step it up and create a REAL democracy, not a fake one run by the rich and the high up.

**Check comments below for a link to Citizen J’s site for further detail on this foolish and sneaky voting method!  …. well I’ll just give you the link here!

DANGER: Do not work at a Floral Shop on Valentine’s Day

Since I have returned to my hometown, I work at my old job (a florist).  They were kind enough (desperate) to take me back, and it is nice to come home and be able to start working right away.  I have made it clear to them that I am only working there until I find something else (better) that offers medical benefits and doesn’t involve slave-style duties.

Anyway, other than the usual crap that takes place at that hellhole, I also got to witness one of the biggest shit-shows know to floral shops everywhere: Valentine’s Day.  Since most men do not understand the concept of planning ahead, we were very slow the week before the dreaded day… and the atmosphere was similar to the feel on a beach before a horrific storm, quiet lapping waves of the sea gently tapping the shore before a tsunami.  We prepared the balloons, decorated some azalea plants, memorized the holiday prices, and ordered about a million roses. 

Then came February 13th, the phonecalls began… and they did not stop.  Men calling, leaving it up to me (who could care less) to decide what they should send their girlfriends/ wives for the holiday.  Trying to make small talk as I read off prices of roses and other dumb arrangements that are just going to die in a week anyway.  I convince them to add a balloon, or a stuffed animal, or even an overpriced box of chocolates.  Most men just want a dozen red roses- how very original!  The florists (the one’s who actually make the arrangements- I just take the orders) are abuzz- and by abuzz I mean violent and bitchy.  Snapping everytime I place another invoice on their workstation- yelling that they need a second choice in case they run out of the first, demanding I slit my wrists and flail on the floor to redeem myself.  Well, not really- but they were really mean.

Then the 14th.  I wake up and suddenly know what a death row inmate feels like on his or her big day.  Dreading it, but somewhat releived that all of it is almost over.  I dragged myself to work, trying to meditate and create a calm atmosphere while driving through the type of traffic that only a certain type of neighborhood (shitty) can generate- people walking down the middle of the street, no turn signals, old rust-buckets broken down and taking up a whole lane, and a crater-sized pothole ever 4 meters. 

I pull into work and am immediately yelled at, for no reason at all, and have to start answering the phones before I even get my coat off.  There is a line of loser guys outside the door already, the florists are on suicide watch, and everyone is generally pissed off. 

It was awful, but like many trauma victims, the details of my abuse are fuzzy- I think I’ve blocked it out.  But it sucked, I have worked retail for 11 years now and through all the Christmases, spring blowout sales, and Mother’s Days I have never seen anything like it.  We all survived, but a little piece of me died that day- and my husband will never have to get me a Valentine’s Day present ever again.  And a note to all you men out there- don’t walk into a florist and think you’re cute and sweet for remembering, and expect us to give a shit about you, your girlfriend, whether or not she likes roses, or comment about the prices… we just see you as a hurdle, and want to get over you and move on the the next one as quickly as possible.  Pick your flowers, pay, and get out before you get hurt.

I need a new job in a bad way.

Ranting and Raging- what else is new?

…

I know that the majority of my posts are angry rants about what’s wrong with people, society, my life, etc.  BUT the reason I do this here on WordPress is so I don’t drive my friends and family crazy.  I have to rant and rage here because I have no other outlets.  Normally, up close and in person, I am a fairly happy person.  I have my sore spots but for the most part I try and stay positive.  Blowing up here helps me keep my cool in my personal life.

On that note, let me just say that I am so sick and tired of the United States as a whole.  I am sure there are other countries that would piss me off too, but I have only ever lived here (and Canada- but that’s a separate post !) 

I have been home in the States since the beginning of December, and I am getting sickened more and more by what I see.  Since I’ve been home, I have realized that the area where I was raised is now nothing more than a consumeristic cess pool, and is sadly a fair representation of most of the country.  There is nothing to do here other than shopping.  Where there used to be cornfields and forests are now mini-malls and ticky-tac subdivisions.  Where are all these people coming from?  Why do we need 4 Menards, 3 Home Depots, and a Lowes within a 10 mile radius?  There is one of the countries largest shopping malls here yet you cannot drive one mile without passing by a strip mall filled with fast food restaurants and shops selling wares that no one really needs- just like at the fucking mall you passed 2 miles back! 

Our government has turned its back on the Constitution, our media is completely corrupt and inaccurate, and “What kind of gun do you own” is a question picked from millions to be asked at the Republican debates.  Religion is becoming law in a country that was born from the desire to believe what you want and live how you want, I am afraid to say “terrorist” on the telephone, and have to think twice before I bring Christmas cookies into an airport!  Christmas cookies!?!

Our news covers Britney Spears more than the war in Iraq, and when it does cover  the war the information is one-sided, biased, and at times completely false.   And in between the news every commercial I see is for a prescription drug.  I was fine before but now, according to these commercials, I have Restless leg syndrome, bi-polar disorder, and erectile dysfunction!!  Report on Drug Advertisements

 MMMM… Pills!

I wont even get into our diets and how we eat, and then what we spend on weight loss plans… and how we tear down any kind of outside facility that could be used for exercise and then build a gym there!

I’m sorry but I am absolutely terrified.  What have we all turned into?  What have we let our world become?  All we do is shop and eat, and meanwhile our environment is crumbling at an alarming rate, the WORLD is at war, there is no trust, we are all in debt due to our greed, and people are actually convicing themselves that everything is fine.  I’m disgusted with all of us.  It really is that bad too… it really has gotten to the point where it’s not the same old doom and gloom rag that has been going on forever, it’s actually here now!

I try and look for the good in people, and a lot of times it’s not hard to find, but that’s not good enough anymore.  Things are snowballing downhill fast and someday soon something really really really big is going to happen that is going to force us to change our ways.  I just hope me and my family survive whatever happens!

I’m not a religious person, but my dad (refusing to believe that I am not a religious person) showed me a verse in his Bible the other day.  It was from Jacob I think, something about warfare and when it’s okay to start that shit.  He has the kind of Bible that, at the end of each book, explains things for you in Layman’s terms, and it explained that God says it’s okay to go to war when the people you are fighting have claimed the land for themselves and have forgotten or ignored the fact that the land belongs to the Lord.  Whether there is a god or not- what we have here on planet Earth is a gift and we have completely abused it.  I’m not saying start a war, but doesn’t it seem like we are the people who have claimed the land for ourselves and not respected it as something that transcends ownership?  What the hell is this “all for us and none for all” attitude that the majority of the country (and the rest of the First World for that matter) has taken.  Are we REALLY that stupid?

Yes.

Forceful steps towards a greener planet.

As you all know, “Being Green” isn’t just for Kermit the frog anymore.  Saving the environment is a goal that has been around as long as I can remember.  From Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring to Woodsy the Owl and his “Give a Hoot” campain we have been aware of our negative effect on the planet.  The hole in the Ozone Layer, Smog, Acid Rain, pesticides, contaminated water, endangered animals, decreasing rain forests, litter, overfilled landfills, etc. etc. etc…..

Anyway, we all know about global climate change and how it’s mainly our fault.  I get it Al and Leo.  And I feel bad about it.  I try and shop locally, not waste anything, don’t litter, and don’t even drive a car for crying out loud!

Unlike many other Americans, however, I can’t afford to eat organic food all of the time, pay $50 for an ‘organic’ t-shirt, install solar panels on my face, or spend $40,000 on a hybrid car.  I won’t go into detail about my pathetic financial situation, but I’m sure a lot of you out there also cannot afford to be one of the stylish, Prius-driving, Whole Foods shopping ‘Green Elite.’ 

There is one thing I think everyone can do to help though, besides not being wasteful and not throwing your styrofoam out the SUV window, and that one thing is RECYCLE.

Okay, duh, you know that.  But guess what?  Not everyone CAN recycle!  It’s true.  Many places do not offer recycle pick up- just trash.  There may be a recycling depot across town somewhere, a few marked bins where you can dump your cardboard and cans, but when you don’t have a car or just aren’t aware of these stations then WTF?

Maybe you all are aware of this, but I was not.  Ever since I can remember my parents have had three bins in the garage.  A big one for trash, and two blue ones- for paper and plastic/aluminum.  My parents aren’t Greenpeace members or anything like that, we’ve just always recycled.  No big deal.  It was the same when I went to college, we had recycling cans by every garbage can, and every dorm room had three receptacles- one for trash, two for recyclables.

Much to my surprise when I got to where I live now, and also in the previous town I lived in… no recycling service!  Just those stupid recycling stations on the creepy side of town.  So last year, when I had my car, I of course drove all my recyclables down to the station every week, which was a pain in the ass but not so bad.  It was a small town so I figured they just didn’t have big recycling trucks coming by.  I highly doubt that everyone did this though… and I’m sure many people just did not recycle there.

Now that I am living in a city of nearly 250,000 people though, I am shocked that recycling isn’t something every household does automatically!  It’s one thing (I guess) when you live in the middle of nowhere with a handful of farmers that there isn’t a recycling truck coming in to town every week, but in a big city that offers every other service imaginable?  And with no car now I can no longer drag my cans down to the depot anymore… it’s too far.  I looked into recycling here and did find one service, but it costs $150!!  And as I mentioned before ‘Me + financial situation = pathetic’ so of course spending $150 on anything that’s not rent or food related is just not possible.  This really bothers me because I know there are plenty of other people out there throwing perfectly good cans and papers away because they don’t have another option, either no car- not enough money- or aren’t aware of alternative services.  So I get really angry when I see celebrities sucking themselves off over driving a hybrid and having a solar panel, when I can’t even recycle!  Shouldn’t recycling be mandatory?  Everyone can get trash pick up, so I don’t understand why recycling just doesn’t go hand in hand as a city service.  Recycling is the one thing anyone from any background with any income can do… and it isn’t available in many places.  This, to me, is bullshit.  And I think it’s insulting to make ‘being green’ some chic new campaign when the only ‘green living’ that is encouraged is the kind that results in spending ridiculous amounts of money on “organic” food and clothing, hybrid cars, etc.  Recycling is easy, doesn’t require any supplies other than a separate bin, and is an effective way to conserve resources- instead of just using newer ‘greener’ ones.

So I demand recycling be offered in every community, cost no more than trash pick-up, and be available to everyone.  Screw your dirty recycling depots behind the city industrial park, and fuck you assholes charging $150 for a good deed.  For now I will continue conserving energy, unplugging my computer at night, walking everywhere (even though that isn’t by choice), and using my reusable cloth grocery bags.  But everytime I throw a can away or add another piece of junk mail to my paper filled bin (I just can’t bring myself to throw it out, so I just have a huge box full of paper sitting in my kitchen) I will cringe and miss my days back in my hometown where recycling was a given.  Meanwhile I am going to write to the city and suggest a change.