So; what do *I* think happened...?

As I've noted, there's a fair amount of discussion/grumbling/kvetching about the results of our recent election. Lots of blame being spread around, tons of incredulity, an abundance of cynicism bordering on nihilistic fatalism being swum in.

Here's my take:

1) I believe that Bob Bratina was put in office primarily by the 55+ demographic. Those who were 'familiar' with him as a broadcaster, felt kinship, got all warm-and-fuzzy with the prospect of him as their choice rather than someone they'd probably wished they could have had faith in one more time but just couldn't make the leap (Fred Eisenberger) or someone they'd probably wished they could have trusted (Larry Di Ianni). People in this age bracket traditionally boast a higher turnout rate, so their numbers carried the day.

2) I believe that those of us who spend time discussing local politics online, on sites like Raise the Hammer and The Hamiltonian and CATCH and even The Spec are, though a sometimes a passionately raucous lot, 'we' are nevertheless a small, very small, indisputably small portion of the voting population. (The proof is in the pudding so many are making poopy-faces at.) The consensus that I observed throughout the campaign was that the overwhelming majority of 'us' wanted most incumbents out...and certainly wouldn't have voted for Bratina for mayor. So as informed and engaged and seemingly pro-active as 'we' are, the truth is that there aren't yet enough of 'us' to make a difference. (I could go to the effort of showing you what the results would have been if, for the sake of argument, 'our' numbers matched 'Those of The Many'...but I'm sure that it's pretty obvious, so I'll save both of us the time.)

3) People are, by-and-large, incredibly apathetic about their local governance. Even when they cast votes, they're not the result of having produced an informed, qualified opinion as to who the best choice is. (Please don't take this as me saying people should be voting how I think they should be voting. Different reference points entirely. I want people to be casting votes based on Sy Sym's motto: 'An educated consumer is our best customer.' Right now? Not even close.) Low turnout -40% when it ought to be closer to 90%- and making decisions based on 'name recognition' and the election equivalent of 'comfort food' does not make for anything to be proud of. Yes, it's democracy in action. But seriously? We need a new playbook. A new paradigm, a shift to a more proactive, more participatory, more 'it takes a village to ensure its Quality of Life' value system.

Though this Living Colour song takes a much broader look at society than I am, the basic premise is the same: substance is ignored in the name of worshiping at the altar of fluff. And the sacrifice being made at that altar? Self-respect, dignity and common sense.

We deserve to have better. We can do better. We must make things better. Us. Not the government, not our elected officials...us.