To Vote Or Not To Vote?

Is It Worth Going To The Polls?

 

by Márcio Bello Teixeira

Undeniably, the majority of us have been dreaming of one day having true politicians in office whose prime objective lies in promoting social equality, regardless of race and gender. Which of us has never thought of seeing children juggling with balls and doing cartwheels for fun, instead of seeing them doing such things at the stoplights, risking their lives, to exchange their daredevil stunts – which they consider entertainment – for alms, as a desperate attempt to say that, ‘to whom it may concern’, they’re not there because they want, but because they need?

Basically, there are two kinds of political parties: the right and the left. On the one hand, ‘the right’ believe in stern taxation, privatization of industries owned by the state, and the minimum of help for the poor. On the other hand, ‘the left’ believe that, by equalizing wealth and power between all parts of society, we can build our own Utopia. In practice, however, we, perspicacious citizens, indisputably know that both parties converge into a common interest: power.

There’s no denying that, however rightist or leftist, the government upholds the principles of a dictatorship-based democracy where democratic voters elect their dictatorial representatives in an addictive sadomasochistic relation that never ends. Hence, it’s also undeniable that, despite the injustices of the system, people don’t feel like getting rid of the corruption they complain about because they’re used to it. Besides, acquiescence is a prerequisite for being enslaved – not to mention ignored and patronized – by those we choose to teach us how to be puppet.

It’s amazing that politicians have the knack of patronizing the electorate. Moreover, sort of mesmerized, many of us speak up for those politicians who have no qualms about giving speeches about the difficulty that people have in living on humiliating salaries. It’s also amazing to think that election campaigns have an infallible brainwashing effect upon vulnerable voters whose fragility lies in having never been given food for thought.

Politicians’ rhetoric proves that what is said counts more that what is done. Each and every one of the politicians knows that expectations outlive fulfillment. Therefore, making promises, without necessarily keeping them, is the key to the success of any election campaign.

It’s an age-old story of getting rich at the cost of impoverishing others. Politicians know that while there is poverty, promises can be exchanged for votes which guarantee a lifelong office. So long as there are poor and hungry people who are ignorant about politics, dependable politicians are to be born. It’s high time we thought twice before going to the polls. Perhaps, if we understood that abstention from voting is the strongest weapon we have to defeat deceitful politicians, we might regain our self-respect and dignity.

 

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