Political [dis]engagement.

Let me just start out by saying that I'm no activist. But I do worry about and take interest in the politricks that our elected officials are up to. I suppose I have some sort of anxiety about where this country is going, but I try not to dwell upon it here. I don't know, maybe I should.

So anyway, today I quoted Benjamin Franklin after reading a rather apt letter on the Letters page of Melbourne's The Age, with regards to proposed and enacted anti-terrorism laws. "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security", he said. And one of my mates just did not get it. He just had no idea about the whole issue. Maybe it's just me being faintly snooty or esoteric, but his ignorance alarmed me. He had no inkling at all, nor did he hold any opinion whatsoever.

It annoys me how at this moment, we are having this potentially decisive debate about where we want our society to go and he can't be bothered nor cares. It's not like he has to participate in any activism. A simple opinion would suffice. I don't mind if it's not what I believe. Just think of something.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised though. This is the guy that cast a donkey vote in the last election, and the only electoral policy he ever cared to listen to were about tax cuts. And to think, there are probably millions more of him out there. Hmm. Evidently, mine is a self feeding anxiety.


Listening to:
Title: Buddy Holly
Artist: Weezer
Album/station: Blue Album (1993)
Length: 2.39