On-line petitions

We love to sign on-line petitions.
It makes us feel like we’re doing something
when in reality, we’re submitting our names
to on-line marketers who can then
dun us for contributions.

It’s like masturbatory civic engagement.
It feels good, but doesn’t amount to much.

Real civic engagement is physically getting involved,
talking face-to-face with those of similar view,
challenging those with opposing views,
communicating our views with those in power
and not hiding behind feelings of powerlessness.

But I'm just too busy today.