So I Voted, So What?

Well, today I voted and I have to say it wasn't very eventful though I'm glad I remembered to vote because I almost missed it.

There was very little advertising on where to vote and onlt a tiny little sign with a tiny little arrow pointing to where I voted last year was the only sign around which showed me where to vote.

There had been a mix-up previously due to my semi-homeless status on whether or not I could vote so I went online and accidentally clicked permanent vote-by-mail status and was not able to correct it though I had called the voter Elections office many times in San Francisco I was unable to go there in person because I work full time.

I was really looking forward to this election since it would be my first time voting in the primaries as a no party preference.

There was tons of media coverage about Hillary vs Bernie vs. Trump but very little coverage about the San Francisco elections or even the state elections concerning proposition 50 which threatens to suspend state senators without pay. I have to admit I didn't even know about this proposition until I heard it on National Public Radio with the NPR app on my new phone.

So when I got to the polling place today I knew next to nothing about what would be on the ballot besides a brief encounter online with a sample ballot, that was all I knew about what would be on there. I was woefully unprepared for the slew of measures that San Francisco is trying to pass. One which included a measure to investigate police officers in any police officer shooting that occurred. Again, I didn't know this until I listened to it on NPR.

Also due to my voting mishap with the vote by mail ballot, I had to fill out a provisional ballot which had to go in a separate box which is supposedly counted but they have to double-check to make sure I'm not committing voter fraud.

I was standing at my little voting booth trying to figure out what the heck I was voting on while listening to old ladies chattering and chattering on and making fun of the younger volunteer, while I was trying to figure out who's running for what and what's doing what on the voting ballot.

Needless to say it was a miserable experience and I declined the voting sticker you get after you vote. I felt dejected and useless and wondered what the heck I was voting for in this country.

I do wonder about the presidential elections and what's going to happen since the Democrat vote is split by Bernie and Hillary as I would hate to see another rehash of the Nader vs. Gore scenario which led George "Dubbya" Bush to the presidential office. I've seen enough potential destruction already to know what happens when a rich guy hits the presidential office with no regard to the people or the media. I am very suspicious of any presidential candidate who hates the media as much as Trump does.

If worst comes to worst as it did with Bush, I will have to move to Canada, possibly British Columbia or perhaps Denmark where at least there, they are content.

I didn’t Vote today

On the news the poll results are coming in already, from the east coast, where the polling places have closed. I should be interested in the results but I’m not. I couldn’t care less.

I know how important it is to make your voice heard. I know many women fought hard and long to get a chance to be recognized as a voting citizen in this country. Women were the primary instigators for many of the positive changes in this country such as: abolition of slavery, children and worker’s rights, women’s rights, unions and medical care.

When I used to be a Democrat, I voted for President Obama and rejoiced at his election. Then more wars were started after he was given the Nobel Peace Prize. Now I know better. Politics is filled with corruption. I’ve become embittered and cynical of “Change”.

Now I’m decline to state. I don’t believe in party politics. I believe real change comes from people, not political groups or bureaucracy filled with the corruption of lobbyists and private corporations. You won’t see real change in politics or the White House, which is too entrenched in the pentagon and other bad influences.

The 99% are fighting for economic equality while the 1% still control over 50% of the wealth in this country. Prejudice remains with a black president. Women are still violated in this country. Not much has changed.

As for me, I’ve never felt less empowered in my entire life.

Since my life has taken a bad turn I don’t feel the need to participate in the same society that has rejected me. I don’t feel like taking part in any of their lies.

In order for “voting” to work, you must be recognized as a citizen and I’m not recognized as anything. I don’t have my own house nor have I lived in a residence for over 7 years. I don’t make enough money to pay taxes, so I’m not even one of those “Tax Paying Citizens” that the Republicans value so much.

My future is uncertain. How can I be expected to participate in public citizenship and make decisions for the city, state and federal causes when I can’t even control my own life?

This is the real question that bothers me.

For the first time in my life I’ve realized I can no longer predict what will happen to me or how I can control my life, especially when outside factors play such a big part in destroying my destiny. I am resentful of society and their lies, their false expectations of how to fit in and be a “citizen”. Not to mention a “human being”.

Is it any wonder I don’t feel like voting?