That pesky election!

The presidential election is still a topic of discussion on the boards and recounts are in the offing. At the last demo, a Green Party member went on and on about the election and was shocked ("shocked!") to find irregularities. I still can't see that as anything but a distraction from real political work.

Our elections have always been rigged. Read any accurate political history of our great nation and, time after time, you will learn about all the shenanigans and back-door dealing that has gone on. Some of our greatest leaders got there by cheating. It has always happened and it will continue to happen until our society is significantly transformed.

In the first place, there is no doubt in the world that only rich people can be successful as politicians. That's been proven time and time again. So why cry foul about a system that is already ... well ... foul? There are concrete methods to make elections more democratic. But our country has chosen not to use those methods.

The only way -- the only way I know -- to make any difference at all, is by the thankless, dauntless and endless task of grassroots individuals pushing that damn rock back up the hill. So has it always been, so shall it always be.

Today I read an interview with Larry Kramer of "Act Up" fame that was in the Village Voice. His advice is the best I've heard yet:

"You can never not fight back!"

Amen, brother.