Apathy=Happy

Today I discovered a "reality" show called "The Hills". Apparently, its been around for a while, and according to my niece (who at 17 fits squarely within the demographic of the watchers of this show), it is quite popular with her peer group.

Although I remain unsure as to the exact reason it sucked me in like mobile home in a tornado.

Caught in the vortex I watched the entire fifth season. Everyone is really good looking, has a ton of money, and no one works. I mean, there is nobody making UPS deliveries. Lets just say, there is no discernible form of vocation by any member of the cast I could see from the fifth season.

The people on this show are vapid, and superficial, and on an individual level really uninteresting. Yet still, I find myself watching 16 episodes all day Sunday...and I don't regret it.

It's my own fault.

I have recently decided the concept of an American democracy is a myth, and that the government is a mere puppet of the banking industry and Wall Street.

The other day Gioconda's father tried to engage me in conversation about Health Care reform.

" Barack Obama isn't your president, Bank of American is your president. We are just all pawns," I told him. He looked at me like I was crazy, but it ended the discussion, a discussion I really didn't want to have.

I do believe this statement. In fact, I no longer think I am going to engage in the voting process. This is a big deal for me, I have always believed it was my obligation as a woman, as those many before me who gave so much so I could vote.

But really not so much...

In truth it is a huge relief to completely release myself of the idea that it even matters who is elected president.

It just feels liberating to give up on the concept of a democracy. I don't have to care anymore, because I know it just doesn't matter. I know all the arguments about disengaging from the process.

"What if everyone took your approach?" Gioconda said when I informed her of my choice to no longer vote.

"Then I guess Well's Fargo would be the President, because I would have voted for Chase," I replied.

"Do you want your daughter's to feel this way about their government?" she asked.

Maybe.

I just don't see how my life has been improved by giving a shit about politics. I used to care so much, maybe even too much. But now, Rush Limbaugh doesn't even bother me.

Instead of reading the New York Times editorials today I watched 8 consecutive hours of "The Hills".

The consequence of apathy...