Having grown up in Washington in the era of Watergate, I have always had a cynical approach to politics and politicians: there's no real difference between the parties; they're all corrupt; they're in it for the power, money and sex; never take any political statement at face value; assume their lips are moving, they're lying.
I had a brief period of political action in college in the Reagan years - mainly because my friends were all protesting the war in El Salvador so why not go along? But I lacked the innocence of my letter-writing, petition-signing friends. I knew it was a waste of time.
Suddenly, there was Dean, saying all the unpleasant truths that other politicians didn't dare.
Instantly I was a Deanaholic. Fell head over heels. Went bat-crazy. Made my first financial contribution to a campaign, more than I could afford. Went to meet-ups, carried signs, went to speeches and debates. Love. And was broken-hearted when that love wasn't enough.
I signed on to Kos during the Dean year, but was suspicious because my adoration wasn't universally shared as it was on the DFA site. But gradually Kos community won my respect for the diversity and complexity of ideas expressed here. I felt this was reality-based community where assumptions were challenged, ideas floated/shot down/refined/re-floated/shot down again. And I needed a refuge during the Bush years when it seemed there was no hope for America. Electing Democrats seemed out best hope.
So again I put aside my innate cynicism and worked to achieve that goal, making contributions to elect Democrats, even those outside my district (which was and is solidly Democratic).
The events of the past 9 years have destroyed my faith in Democrats. I had hoped once Democrats achieved a majority in Congress, things would turn around. We achieved that. Still, the Bush Administration was not held accountable, subpoenas were not upheld, and there was no meaningful change.
I had thought that with a Democrat in the White House, and stronger Democratic majorities in Congress, finally something would happen.
This is not a whine that Obama hasn't worked miracles in the first term in office, nor a complaint against any specific Congressperson.
It's the sick realization that corporate interests are the only interests truly represented in Washington. The slow death of health care reform is the final straw, but there is ample evidence in other areas. Democrats and Republicans care far more about the well-being of insurance and pharmaceuticals companies than about the needs of citizens. I don't see this changing any time soon.
I know there are exceptions to this sweeping generalization and there are many good, caring people in office. I know the Obama Administration has achieved a great deal in the first year. I will likely still vote for Democrats, believing them the lesser of evils.
Yes, this is yet another GBCW diary. And I understand if many, if not all of you will reply with a resounding "good riddance and don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out." But I had to set my ideas down here, and I plan to send a link to this diary to my elected officials.
I will still be active in causes I care about. I will still volunteer, make financial contributions to local organizations, and speak out.
But I have no faith in our political system and will not make contributions to any party.