Voicemail (June 12, 2008)

Where’s the alternative?

Republicans align themselves with conservatism and minimal free-market regulations. Democrats align themselves with liberalism and maximum social justice regulations. Why do we have to decide between these two? Where is the option for liberalism and minimal regulation? Why does open-mindedness somehow translate into bigger, more bureaucratic government? Why does freedom from governmental controls coincide with close-mindedness?

Just because I believe in the right to bear arms does not mean I agree with conservative censorship. Just because I believe in a free market does not mean I agree with corporate orgies. Just because I am a woman with feminist beliefs does not mean I agree with institutionalizing those beliefs. The Democratic mindset traps “-isms” in meaningless wire cages, co-opts the ideals, and then makes rules about them, shouting here and there the same media crap day after day, all the while spamming commercials for compact cars and padded bras. The Republican mindset traps “traditions” in sterile laboratories devoid of context, co-opts the moral dogmas and then makes rules about them, shouting here and there the same military hype week after week, all the while bludgeoning the entire country with advertisements for American flags and SUVs.

Where is the alternative? Who can I vote for that will not threaten my right to protect myself but who will also stop butt-humping other countries with an oil lubricant? Is sustainability that anathema to freedom? I ask you, why are politics so glaringly mutually exclusive? In light of consumerism, the answer is simple because it’s the single –ism, dogma, tradition, bait and watershed that links the two political parties together. Nike makes profits off of feminism, and damn if Wal-Mart doesn’t tout loyalty to “greenness.” Is Nike liberal and aligned with Democrats? Is Wal-Mart a conservative Republican entity? No. Just like politicians, they are materialistic-driven whores who sell shit in the guise of meanings, beliefs and ideals.

I don’t want to suggest hopelessness, nor do I want to downplay the fact that some people in all of these political and corporate institutions are trying to improve things. Yet the question remains whether or not the improvements will do anything in the long run in light of a culture seduced into a blind and vacuous love of Consumerism, an -ism that overshadows any pretense of Democracy, Socialism, and yes, even Capitalism. I do suggest that we — communities, small businesses and individuals — interpret meaning and conviction for ourselves.

Belated thanks for publishing Knoxville’s best newspaper cover in decades — the May 1 issue depicting Rosie the Riveter along with the revised slogan “We Are Doing It.”

Thank you Knoxville Voice for publishing such an empowering cover!