It’s the 2012 elections and this year marks the first year that I am able to vote for the next U.S President. For many this would be exciting, but for me it is just a reminder of the sad reality.
Of the 20 years of my life, I have already grown disenfranchised and thoroughly tired of a two-party system that leaves little to no room for any other options. Elections seem to give an appearance of free choice and “democracy” but in reality, it is supporting the one-party system of business.
When I was 16 and Obama first became President, I, along with many others, were filled with hope that perhaps this really was the time for change; A change for peace and a change for a healthier society.
Today I see that Obama has NOT ended the wars as he had previously promised and has started a drone war in Pakistan, killing thousands of civilians and has signed into action the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This act makes it legal for the U.S to imprison and detain U.S citizens suspected of being “terrorists” – no trial, no evidence needed, nothing… And there is no limit to how long they can be held!
It’s especially disturbing how they can call anyone a “terrorist,” including animal rights and environmental activists.
To me, it is immoral to vote for any evil – and the lesser of two evils is still an evil. So that is why this election I have decided to vote for Jill Stein, a green party candidate. Though my heart is really set in building a society that is out of the hands of politicians –and the white house – and back into the hands of the people.
I would like to live in a society where actual people make choices that most affect them and the environment, instead of electing representatives and having corporations call the shots. This election is just another reminder of how little freedom and democracy we actually have. Solidarity to all people in the world, struggling for peace and equality.
By Sarah Hansen
