I don't feel the need to be governed. I guess I never have.
Even decades ago when I used to v*te, it wasn't because I felt that someone else could run my life better, or because I was scared of what would happen if "other people" weren't governed, it was just what responsible people do.
Or so I believed.
I couldn't understand people who "didn't care enough" to bother to v*te.
I needed to v*te because "everyone else is doing it".
Of course, I finally realized that not everyone is doing it. And to my surprise, it wasn't because they were lazy or apathetic. They often had good reasons that I agreed with. Reasons I agreed with more than I agreed with the justifications for v*ting I had always bought into in the past-- "self-defensive v*ting" being the one that held the most appeal to me.
I started feeling like participating in something I didn't approve of was giving the appearance of approval. I didn't approve. I realized I had been giving an illegitimate institution-- government-- some false legitimacy by participating.
So I finally started behaving in a way that was consistent with my values.
It didn't happen overnight. For a while I was ashamed to admit in public that I hadn't v*ted. I eventually realized I wasn't the one doing something shameful and harmful.
I'm not usually too hard on those who still v*te because I understand why they are doing it. I just no longer agree that their reasons make any sense.
Maybe they'll come around, or maybe I'll eventually change my mind again.
Writing to promote liberty is my job.
YOU get to decide if I get paid.
I hope I add something you find valuable enough to support.
