Good blog,Mal.
When I was much younger I would try to get involved in the community,go to town meetings,volunteer,etc... I was so optimistic,tainted as hell now.
I think so many people aren't doing enough research before voting and our options are so limited of the people that really give a **** to do a good job. I've found way too many people to be extremely selfish,why would I expect any different from the folks in office. Until,the rest of the country actually gives a **** nothing will done about how things are run.