Does it really make a difference? [View all]

[SmileyRose]

My first presidential vote was for Jimmy Carter. Since then I've done everything my time, energy and limited means will allow to push various levels of my government to care more about the 99 than the 1% - to have some respect for the environment our air and water come from and some respect for our world neighbors.

I will be 60 in a few days. The first birthday I've felt the pull to look at my life's work. I am not sure my efforts in this have made one iota of difference.

We still make war for oil.
We are still fighting about what women can do with their own bodies.
We are still telling poor people it's their fault.
We are still abusive to our world neighbors in the name of quick profits.
The standard of living is lower for the 99.
Wealth inequality the world over is even higher.
The environment in my town is cleaner but as a planet it's worse.

After 40 years or so of adulthood doing everything I can to make my neighborhood and state and country and planet a better place, I feel as if I have failed - not entirely - but to a large degree. The forces of the ultra wealthy are so much greater. What power does a little peon like me have in the face of a government bought and paid for?

In my heart I don't feel old. But I'm sick of the same old shit different day. Maybe I should just tell my creditors to go fuck themselves, buy myself a camper van and go around teaching finger painting to kids with autism..... see the glaciers while they still exist.... and let someone else tilt at the windmills.

Thanks for reading.