I’m strongly of the opinion that governments in the West have no real power in their own countries any more; that they are instructed as to the foreign and domestic policies they should pursue and the fiscal policies they should implement. If it is not actual direct instruction, I believe it is, at a minimum, severe economic pressure – which is tantamount to the same thing.

I believe the multinational corporations and international banks are the entities bringing this pressure to bear.

Given that, it is irrelevant which particular party or parties are in power at any given time. Therefore, voting has become a nostrum; snake oil to convince the masses that they are doing something to help themselves.

My conclusion is that, where democracy once provided a breathable atmosphere, voting now exists in a vacuum to give the illusion of choice.

Therefore, voting is a waste of time.

Does anyone have any insight or evidence to disabuse me of this cynical point of view?