Argo Ideon: so what

Argo Ideon
, Postimees
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Heard the song about elections, by the group Leningrad? In the lyrics, the narrator is getting ready for Election Day. He stays sober, «sniffs nothing» etc. But, as the decisive moment arrives, he casts his vote «против всех» – against all who run.

In Russia, for a long time the option did exist, at elections. For a while, it got done away with, but not it is back for local elections. Let’s say: in the Russian electoral system, a legal gateway is opened to express indifference towards what is going on – herewith, let me abstain from the definite word the Russians ever seem to use (as some regard to be a main feature of their national mentality – truth, to the degree that all Estonians are super slow).

In Estonia, indifference is deplored as we know. Whatever serves to cut and curb it, is good. Indifference needs to be fought – actively, like the stated do battle against alcoholism, smoking, traffic deaths.

But... is indifference all that bad?

Come to think of it: most of the time, most people are altogether indifferent towards most things in this world. There’s just no other option. Millions of problems, worries, tasks, but the day still holds but 24 hours, most if it filled up with the prescribed diet. In the limited space to play, indifference regarding lots of stuff means nothing but that you got some priorities.

For instance, makes no sense really to deplore the fact many people never vote. Here in Estonia, we have no «против всех» box on the ballot paper. Thus, no way to actively show one’s indifference towards elections. Also, ‘tis more prudent than spoiling the paper for that would mean extra work for other people.

And why be mad at there being the people who couldn’t care less about politics, and they do not even follow it. It’s is only in the breakthrough times that the entire nation is engaged in politics like we did at the end of 80ies and beginning of 90ies. It’s only when something is wrong that we go to the streets and collect signatures.

They do say that if you do not deal with politics, politics deal with you. But that’s not too bad when people already feel secure, safe and free enough. Thus, they have the option to leave politics to be taken care of by others. A privilege, really – the time spared may be used for something else.

The goal should be for all someday to enjoy the privilege. Then, governmental and management services will be provided by robots – like in «The Culture» by Iain M. Banks, and one would be hard pressed to find an utopian welfare society further developed in literature. Once the laziness has birthed a string of inventions which make the life easier, then why not engage the indifference as well to serve a bright future.

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