The Democratic Sham

Democracy is dead.  It’s a conclusion that I’ve come to after witnessing the failures of established political regimes time and time again.  The truth is, you can head to the polls, you can cast your vote, and it will all be for nothing.  The establishment will continue on the same course as they always have, without regard for the public’s need and desire for change.  What does the popular opinion count for?  Why would a vote be called if the results weren’t acted upon?  Why tease us?

I ask this question despite it being rhetorical.  We know the answer already.  Politicians are set in their ways.  The rhetoric is just that, empty promises.  Say one thing and then do what you want regardless.  It’s an abuse of the public trust.

I am of course talking about the decision of Britain’s Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) to not name their new research vessel the RRS Boaty McBoatface.  Oh, a vote was held, and, the preferred name, Boaty McBoatface, received over 120,000 votes.  To be exact, 124,109 votes were tallied for the RRS Boaty McBoatface, which is over 4 times more than the second place selection: RRS Poppy-Mai, so named after a 16 month old girl with incurable cancer (as reported by NPR).  Yes, that's sad...but seriously, folks...is that any more appropriate?  Want sad science?  No, I didn't think so.

Apparently, the decision of the name for the new research ship rests with the NERC council and president, saying that they will not put forth a superfluous name to the Queen who will, ceremonially, be in charge of blessing the ship.  I call bullshit.  That woman isn’t in charge of the government…she’s merely a figurehead!  Seriously, I thought England was over this monarchal archetype!  It’s time that we, the people, take a stand and make our voices heard!  Yes, I’m not English…but that’s not the point!  The world needs a boat named BOATY MCBOATFACE!  Get angry people!  This is way bigger than the sham that’s going on in NY today!  Primaries are BS…the national committees will pick who they want regardless of our votes!  It’s plain fact!  But this, this is an atrocity!  Damn you England!  Damn you NERC!  And DAMN YOU YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS!