My fellow American citizens

My fellow American citizens. You see, we must specify off the bat that “American” defines the extended one/two continent of the Western Hemisphere. Thus, as a “Canadian,” I am as much an American as those citizens who inhabit the United States of America.

My fellow American citizens. Our complacency with the choices presented to us (we didn’t choose our options – they were chosen for us – let’s make that clear) is direct evidence of our lost control over the world in which we live.

Case in point: Why would anti-war Democrats vote in a pro-war candidate for their presidential candidate? John Kerry is not different than W on war, gay marriage or many other issues. He is different than W on issues regarding basic standards of the welfare state, but those are basic differences. Important to preserve, yes, but not important enough to make me excited or feel enchanted by Kerry.

I feel truly sad for my fellow American citizens who live in the USA who feel no choice but to vote for Kerry. I feel truly sad for those who are blind to the fact that a vote for the Nader/Camejo ticket is not a vote for W. Especially since most of these individuals likely live in the progressive states where their vote won’t actually cause any “splitting.” Further, I feel truly sad for them if they believe it’s a choice between two evils – it’s exactly the opposite. It is a choice between many. The 2000 election, if I recall correctly, had 41 choices for president. Your choice is your reflection of your closest held beliefs – not who you want to win, but rather who you think represents you the best.

Kerry’s leadership is disappointing on the war issue. Only now when it’s politically soluble to talk about war will he say anything negative about going to Iraq or Afghanistan. We all (all 15 million of us) who said on February 15 2003 that it was ridiculous get a big giant slap in the face on this front.

After watching “Manufacturing Consent” (why did it take so long for me to finally see this film?) I am convinced that I am on the right path for criticism, even if it doesn’t win me many close friends. I believe I am on the right path for finding solutions – especially at the local, individual level – that will improve the world. I believe I am on the right path for changing this planet into something that represents what we truly want and will desire to pass on to future generations.

I just wish it was easier. I just wish I had the communications skills to reach more people. Frankly, those that read these rambles are already on board. They don’t need the lifeline. It’s those other millions that I’m having a tough time overcoming the barriers that have been institutionalised and propaganised to the point that they are trusted and held up as proof of “freedom” and “democracy.”

Oh, what a cruel world, to see the entire picture and to see no way to affect the whole thing at once.

Vote Nader/Camejo if your heart desires. I will never judge you for it, even if that vote is claimed to prevent Kerry from winning. After all, given that the entire state is focused on terrorism, what’s he really going to do differently? Is he going to slash billions from defense? No. Is he going to institute universal healthcare? No. Is he going to marginally improve things? Yes. It’s not enough for me to give up my conviction that Nader/Camejo would better reflect what I want to see in the world.

Be the change you wish to see in this world. Peace. Solidarity.

[Listening to: Etoile etiolee - Pierre Lapointe - (1:17)]