Approaching Political Apathy
Four years ago, when I was a newbie at this blogging thing, I posted a lot on the presidential campaigns and election, fantasizing about ideal candidates, ethically analyzing McCain and Obama, complaining about the dishonesty of the campaign ads, and reacting to the candidacy of Sarah Palin. Good times.
I have less than no desire to do this again this time around.
I feel a little like Alyson Hannigan’s turned-evil Willow in the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer–“Bored now”–but thankfully without the vengeful inclination to magically skin alive mine enemies. I’m just bored now with the campaigns. I’ve no interest in viewing advertisements, let alone thinking about them. I’m more or less “meh” about the prospect of an upcoming VP pick. I suppose I might raise my head and incline an ear when the debates come along, but I don’t expect any new revelations. I know what Romney and Obama serve, and it ain’t largely the common good.
I had no illusions about the candidates in the last presidential election, but I still held on to the hope that the prospects could be better, that we didn’t as a rule have to pick between two poisons. I’ve now lost all hope for ever seeing an Aragorn or even a Jon Snow ascend the steps unto the national stage. President Obama has delivered a first step in health care reform, a remarkable achievement for which I am thankful, but he’s also given us continued war with the death of innocents, and assumed the power to assassinate American citizens.
I haven’t ruled out voting this year, but I’ve almost reached the point of not caring. Almost. There are differences between Obama and Romney worth consideration, and I have considered these, but I’m inclined for now to keep their roads to the White House beyond my horizon.
I’m in largely the same place, though I’m sure I will be voting. The idea of Mitt Romney appointing people to the Supreme Court gives me cold chills.
But the interest I have always had in politics, especially during the run-up to presidential campaigns, has dissipated so much. Perhaps I’m jaded, but I just can’t bring myself to care the way I used to. Probably healthier for me, is what I’ll say.
Yeah, healthier for me too. At least I’m less likely to go all sanctimonious.
I am totally with you on this one. And I appreciate your Buffy and LOTR references.
I please to aim.
This, I think, is a common feeling. Part of the problem is that these candidates are dull and boring.
One thought:
I’m much more interested in this election now that the court has upheld most of the ACA. I think it at least plausible that a Romney victory could result in a repeal, even if the Democrats keep hold of the Senate. I understand the arguments that suggest a repeal is unlikely, but while they are persuasive, they don’t persuade me fully. I’m not saying it will happen, but it might.
Just as well, I hear that guy knows nothing 😉
Honestly I doubt a President like either of them would be a good idea. God intentions aren’t worth much in politics. Perhaps it says something revealing about me, but my ideal political leader is more in the vein of Havelock Vetinari.
I’d say they’re worth something, but you need much more.
Someone who’s cunning enough to achieve almost any goal, but wants nothing more than for things to run smoothly, and is entirely without greed for money or power? I’m afraid that’s a fantasy.
And one I can no longer believe in.
Oh, I know it’s a fantasy. I think what separates me from most people is that I know my political fantasies are fantasies.
“I’ve now lost all hope for ever seeing an Aragorn or even a Jon Snow ascend the steps unto the national stage.”
is it such a terrible thing to stop desiring a savior? you make it seem so dismal.
Oh, I don’t desire a political savior. Just a man or woman of impeccable character.
what’s the difference?
anyway, i think turning your back on the spectacle of the killdozer is one of the first steps towards true freedom, but that’s me.
A savior offers salvation. The virtuous man or woman acts prudently and serves the good. For the most part. We’re none of us perfect.
And you accuse me of fantasy?
I think that desiring a savior is as likely to end up with someone who is lying about how they’re a savior as someone who actually is one.
I originally included a Hitler pun in the above sentence but I removed it.
Nothing scares me quite so much as the savior complex in politics.
Hmmm, we obviously couldn’t elect Tyrion Lannister for president. Maybe if he chose someone to serve as a figurehead. I hear Bronn is a war hero. There might be questions about the existence of a birth certificate.
You know, I could tolerate a President Tyrion. He wouldn’t get the family-values votes, and he did kill his father, but that may not be an impediment. For all his flaws, he actually cares about the realm, and, when his temper doesn’t get the better of him, he knows how to act prudently. The presidential debates would be AWESOME.
I’m now imaging Ramsey Bolton as a radio show host.
Tyrion is everything you’d want in a Chief of Staff. You’d need someone else to smile for the camera. Someone smart (and humble) enough to listen to do everything Tyrion says. The problem is that everyone in those books is too danged proud.
You hit the nail right on the head. After everything that has happened in the last several years, I have been on information overload politically. I stopped watching cable news and surfing the internet for political news. I rarely read blogs (only this post caught my interest). There’s too much political polarization out there – certain recent political movements have only accelerated this even further.
So I’ve reached saturation and my response is the same – Meh! I don’t care anymore.