I’m normally extremely annoyed by the sheer volume of dead tree material that ends up in my mailbox and at my doorstep, but on Friday, there was something in the pile that made me fly into a fit of rage:

A Democratic Party slate card.

Then on Saturday, a Republican Party slate card.

In these abominable documents were precise directions on how to vote for every single initiative, candidate, and proposition.  “Don’t forget to take this to the polls,” they urged.

How the hell stupid do they think I am?  Are there really sheeple out there that are idiotic enough to take these slate cards hook, line, and sinker, and vote exactly how the party wants them to without even considering what they’re voting for?

My faith in our country’s political system, already close to nonexistent, is quickly turning into outright rejection.  So too goes my reflection on the parties themselves, along with their pigeon-brained hacks who can’t offer anything other than eternally vacuous lapdog yappery at the equally cognitively-challenged hacks on the other side.

It all makes me *so* mad.  One of our duties as citizens, by voting, is to make clear our will.  That duty does not extend to making clear the wills of the Democratic and Republican parties.  I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican or a Libertarian or a United Monkey Loverist.  Throw away those slate cards.  Do NOT vote your party’s line unless you clearly understand each and every specific position that they’re taking.  Even if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool loyalist, use your brain and do the research yourself.  You’d be surprised at what you’ll disagree with.