I had a good conversation with Tankboy last night. You see, a couple weeks ago, he played Pump Up the Volume on the screens while dj-ing at Ten56, and the movie got me thinking. I thought it was an interesting choice to play right after the election, though he claims he put it in randomly and wasn't making any sort of political statement. Then again, some of the most inspiring events in history, the ones that have spurred movements or revolutions or whatever, may in fact have happened by mere chance. The ones inspired probably had those thoughts in mind already, and just needed something to spark them.

But I digress. We talked about current events and how depressed and unsatisfied many of us are as a result of those current events, and specifically, we discussed what we can do about it. Of course, in many ways, post-election, it's a bit too late, but I don't know. The options I see are to lay down and take it (a.k.a. bend over) or do something drastic. Now, what "something drastic" is, I refuse to consider at this point. Whether it be "taking it to the streets," forming a little commune in the wilderness, selling our cars, or starting a solid and indignant letter writing campaign (FEEL THE ANGER BURN FROM MY PEN - oh yeah, KEYBOARD), we have to do something.

I'm not going to get into how Tankboy feels about it. He has many public outlets of his own with which to share his opinions, and it's not my place to share them for him. Suffice to say that neither of those two options are satisfactory to him, and he's looking toward the next election. I think many are.

And he's right. Neither of the options I see are viable. I looked around the bar and saw many people, sitting comfortably, socializing happily, and enjoying good drink and good music. There's really no reason to upset that. Or is there?

On the other hand, I also see a country headed for ruin. I see several poor families left out of options. Everyday I see children not getting the education they deserve and a system that cuts its own arm off in response. I see unfeeling corporations growing stronger and caring less about the well-being of those they subjugate. I hear of Americans being killed every day to uphold a "Democracy" that people don't even seem to want. (And yes, that can be argued.) I see a world growing angrier and angrier at us, yes us, not just our government, because it's time to start taking responsibility for our own government. After all, it's supposed to be BY the people and OF the people, not just FOR us, right?

On the other hand, I'm afraid four years may be too long. I'm afraid the damage done to our country may be irreversible by then. I'm afraid we may not be able to have so care-free and comfortable of an evening with friends at the end of four years. I'm afraid of many things. I still don't have an answer, but less and less do I feel like I can just sit back and see what happens.

I've never got all political here. In the beginning, I never cared. Then, I didn't think it had a place here. Lately, I didn't think I had anything to say that hasn't already been said, better, sometimes by other fellow bloggers. Oh, I also don't want to get visited by the secret service. However, I guess it's engrossed my thoughts enough that this is now what's on my mind, in my life, and thus, in my weblog. I don't know if there'll be more in the future, but I've certainly set a precendent, haven't I?

I have to watch Pump Up the Volume sometime when I'm not drinking.

Disclaimer for the secret service: Nowhere in this post have I advocated or suggested revolution or violence. In fact, my conclusion was that violence in any form is unnecessary. While I'm at it, may I just say that all members and leaders of our government are um, human beings, and thus, no matter how horrible or criminal their actions may be, deserve to continue living.

listening to: arcade fire live in montreal, since i missed them here.
in my sink: grease. & dog prints. grease always seems to be accompanied by dog prints. everyone glare at oreo now.