I live in the USA, and folks like me living here can't really get all excited about our "right" to vote. But I'm glad the author of this piece feels that she lives where her vote matters and is precious.
I love the kindness, compassion and generosity in this lovely little essay.
Thank you. As I mentioned in my essay, we have MMP here- Mixed Member Proportional- which means smaller parties have influence in Parliament (ie. not just a two-horse race).
I often think about America in terms of the healthcare thing, as well. Major differences
It almost doesn't even matter whether it is a two horse race. Almost.
If you read the history of the formation for the USA, it's a clear case of the deliberate construction of an oligarchy in the form of a plutocracy. It's always been just that. And it still is. Democracy is a helpful ruse for the ruling class, nothing more. I suspect you know this, but if you want an explanation from me why I say so, just ask. Thanks for being a Big Heart!
Ohh, this is an awesome essay Rosie! Really brilliant. I am voting today, so will go with thoughts of hedgehogs and being a drop in the ocean. Thank you.
I love this!!! So many beautiful deep and expansive reflections “making mistakes matters less when you have more....” and “The generosity of the poor and disenfranchised is both a true thing and a moving thing. It’s the karmic open-handedness of those who have little, and therefore know what it is to need help.” This subject normally feels so limiting and limited; but this itself was a gift to read. I need to read it many times! I wish it were a zine, so I could share it physically/tangibly. Thank you for sharing it with me - yes... “Such a small thing, an ordinary thing, making marks with my hand.... voting is an act of civic faith. Your little drop of the ocean helps to make a wave— every vote matters.”
‘This ideological fixity is an attempt to shore up the belief that they somehow deserve the wealth they hoard— that others are just more lazy, more feckless, less deserving, inferior.’ This is exactly the key of it.
We will be coming up on an election now and it is the first one I have the right to vote on since we came to Canada. I have the right but not a candidate. I will still vote but how much better it would be to have someone on the ballot whom I would allow to look after my grandma.
Your article made me think of so many things but as I kept reading they all slithered away. I guess thought, too, is a liquid thing.
Thanks for this - beautifully and hopefully articulated. The gift economy may be hidden by capitalism, but it's still alive and still sustaining us in so many ways invisible to many.
Brilliant! I wish I'd written it, but I am a mere technician of these matters.
I live in the USA, and folks like me living here can't really get all excited about our "right" to vote. But I'm glad the author of this piece feels that she lives where her vote matters and is precious.
I love the kindness, compassion and generosity in this lovely little essay.
Thank you. As I mentioned in my essay, we have MMP here- Mixed Member Proportional- which means smaller parties have influence in Parliament (ie. not just a two-horse race).
I often think about America in terms of the healthcare thing, as well. Major differences
It almost doesn't even matter whether it is a two horse race. Almost.
If you read the history of the formation for the USA, it's a clear case of the deliberate construction of an oligarchy in the form of a plutocracy. It's always been just that. And it still is. Democracy is a helpful ruse for the ruling class, nothing more. I suspect you know this, but if you want an explanation from me why I say so, just ask. Thanks for being a Big Heart!
Broadly I agree, but I'm an advocate of Realpolitik at election time.
Your country, for the moment, is far saner and more reasonable than the USA, where folks like me are held captive.
Yes. I really feel for you guys. I have friends in the USA and I've seen how scary things have been for them over the last few years
Ohh, this is an awesome essay Rosie! Really brilliant. I am voting today, so will go with thoughts of hedgehogs and being a drop in the ocean. Thank you.
After reading a particularly sobering essay this morning that left me heartbroken your words here put it back together. Thank you
Same!!!
I love this!!! So many beautiful deep and expansive reflections “making mistakes matters less when you have more....” and “The generosity of the poor and disenfranchised is both a true thing and a moving thing. It’s the karmic open-handedness of those who have little, and therefore know what it is to need help.” This subject normally feels so limiting and limited; but this itself was a gift to read. I need to read it many times! I wish it were a zine, so I could share it physically/tangibly. Thank you for sharing it with me - yes... “Such a small thing, an ordinary thing, making marks with my hand.... voting is an act of civic faith. Your little drop of the ocean helps to make a wave— every vote matters.”
Observations from a Wellington bus driver: https://substack.com/notes/post/p-137817894
Thank you R! 💚
Thanks for your direction to this beautiful essay. Full to the brim, perhaps even overflowing, with generous gifts.
‘This ideological fixity is an attempt to shore up the belief that they somehow deserve the wealth they hoard— that others are just more lazy, more feckless, less deserving, inferior.’ This is exactly the key of it.
We will be coming up on an election now and it is the first one I have the right to vote on since we came to Canada. I have the right but not a candidate. I will still vote but how much better it would be to have someone on the ballot whom I would allow to look after my grandma.
Your article made me think of so many things but as I kept reading they all slithered away. I guess thought, too, is a liquid thing.
Thanks for this - beautifully and hopefully articulated. The gift economy may be hidden by capitalism, but it's still alive and still sustaining us in so many ways invisible to many.