Why my vote doesn't matter, and why I'm voting anyway

As someone pointed out to me, unless something drastic happens between now and November, my vote doesn't matter at all in this upcoming election.  I am and will be a resident of Houston, Texas, which means my state's electoral votes will go to George W. Bush.  I'm also lucky enough to be in Tom DeLay's congressional district, and he will win.  So either way, my vote doesn't matter.  The major votes I will get to cast with my ballot have already been decided.

But I'm going to vote anyway.  Sometimes I wonder why.  Even a friend of mine today admitted he isn't going to vote, because all the presidential candidates suck.  Now, I would be more than happy to try and organize a nationwide boycott of this year's presidential election, demanding better candidates for the highest office in the country.  But somehow, I don't think anyone would give a damn.  Because the fact of the matter is that 50% of the country essentially boycotts every presidential election anyway, simply by not voting.

I guess when it comes down to it, I'm voting because a true democracy hinges on every citizen voicing his opinion.  So I'll voice it, even if it won't be heard.  I've decided to speak softly and carry a big stick.  Someday my voice will be heard, or my big stick will be noticed.  And before that innuendo gets worse, I'm going to stop typing.

Song lyric of the day:
"Blind your eyes to what you see
You can't embrace it
Leave it well enough alone
And don't remember"
          Disturbed, "Remember"