Your summary of the Canadian situation is entirely accurate, Mick. We are essentially in a pretty similar spot to that of Americans, but are protected somewhat by the fact that our social system has a more moderate and less aggressive tradition behind it, that's all. The monied few control politics in Canada too.

You see, what worries me so much about the USA is that it is a huge power which imperils the World. Canada isn't in that position. We don't imperil anybody but ourselves.

I do indeed despair of the political situation in both Canada and the USA. Our elections are fraudulent. They are a rubber stamp on a ruling system.

What is my solution? I look upon my life as a unique adventure, and my own life is under my jurisdiction regardless of the political system. I find satisfaction in controlling and changing what I am empowered to...in my own life...which is the one thing I have jurisdiction over. I accept the fact that I probably can do nothing about the political monster that runs my society, but I can still live a very interesting and fulfilling life anyway. This is the same situation I would have been in in ancient Rome under the Caesars.

You could live a fine life in ancient Rome...but you couldn't change the corrupt system around you. People tried, and they died.

If you feel that you CAN change the system, Mick, my advice is...go for it! Because that is your unique way of living your unique life, and that's your business. What you find fulfilling is clearly good for you to do.

I still vote...not because I think it'll change anything, but just to shut up people who seem to think I haven't the right to express political opinions if I don't vote. And I have political opinions, just as I have opinions on art or anything else interesting. That's normal.

- LH