I have an astronomical number of comments on this site which suggests that I have a serious problem. Those numbers, thankfully, are dwindling thanks to the precious few diaries in which I think commenting is meaningful.
The predictable increase in diaries/comments regarding not voting for Obama have been interesting -- merely for the paucity of actual helpful information regarding viable suggestions regarding tackling serious problems in a country with a majority of vulnerable people (both left and right) on the brink of collapse.
I truly do want to thank those whose animus is virulent. You have encouraged me to read about real solutions from 80 year old Marxists and evaluate the viability -- which is truly accessible to me -- for living off the grid after your writings encourage enough folks not to vote, vote for an unelectable candidate or sit out the 2012 election.
First, the octogenarians: the primary thinker is a retired, internationally renowned academic. Anyone who has actually read or studied Marxist texts/critiques would recognize him immediately. His colleagues and friends include Noam Chomsky. This group of old guys are starting a new blog. I've read a draft but can't quote since it hasn't been published just yet. The gist -- which is fresh thinking for him -- is, forget attacking the top of the power structure to affect change. Instead, focus on local politics including boards and commissions, encourage truly small businesses by creating co-ops regarding all products and encourage micro-activism. The idea is to let the average citizen know he/she can choke to death certain corporations. As with many activists I know, change is slow but persistence actually can cause change.
My old friend has never been an advocate of extreme language -- his power has always been in his measured instruction and ability to listen and respond reasonably. He lives what he advocates. He persuades because he doesn't belittle.
Second, I have access to a rather primitive cottage on a lake. There is no insulation or interior walls. The appliances are from the '30s but aren't really necessary for life. The electric accoutrements should be ash-canned because they are so ancient as to be dangerous. Long power outages merely require us to light up kero lanterns, a wood stove (only heat source), bucket water from the lake, pump potable water from the well and cook in the outdoor firepit which was built the same time as the cottage -- 1929.
We have neighbors who overproduce homegrown veggies -- easily canned; an abundant source of fish and -- if I were desperate, wild turkey and deer (I'd have to be truly desperate). We have a Victrola for music, a crank radio for news and weather and an unending source of story telling.
The area is so over-forested we'd never run out of wood. The scenery is more gorgeous than anything found on the intertoobz. Blue collar workers, lesbian and gays are our neighbors. Richness without vitriol -- ok, except when the New Jersey guy talks about Christie.
I am content in knowing that when the folks here and elsewhere are successful in discouraging Democrats from voting that I have an option to stay in this country, work on the local level and live simply when a Romney or Bachmann administration and Republican Congress decides our lives. I am also delighted that I am too old to worry about my reproductive rights and all the assoholic things that will come out of a solidly conservative Supreme Court.
And as for health care -- there's a nurse in the neighborhood -- and I have lots of pills if anything serious happens to me.
I'm not kidding. Thanks to all of you who despise Democrats for giving me clarity. I truly hope you have the same advantages as I do when you assist the theocratic ideologues whom you believe will make life better for you.