Cross stitch pattern of autumn leaves with the quote “Consent of the Governed”. Download the PDF here: Consent of the Governed Pattern

Grid Size:95W x 131H
Design Area:6.64″ x 9.21″ (93 x 129 stitches)
Colors: 5

Do you want a custom pattern? Head over to my Patreon to make a request.

Hot take: Hamilton was kind of boring, but the music slapped.

There’s a song I like, The Room Where It Happens, where Arron Burr wants to be part of a decision that effects him and the whole country.

You know what, yeah, everyone wants to be in the room where it happens, and everyone should be in the room because the decision shouldn’t have been made behind closed doors in the first place!

“We want our leaders to save the day
But we don’t get a say in what they trade away
We dream of a brand new start
But we dream in the dark for the most part”

The story focuses on Burr’s struggle to become worthy to be in the room, when for me, everyone is worthy. I think this speaks to my core political beliefs, that people who have authority should hold it only if the arrangement is freely consensual. And I’m not talking about “vote for me or terrorists will kill you children” scare tactics or “vote for me or your whole town will become destitute” financial manipulation. I’m talking about everyone being able to freely choose who makes decisions for them with no coercion or threats, and even have the option to easily be in the room where it happens themselves if they want.

The thing is that there has always been coercion in every political decision I have ever made. I’ll vote one way because media says that if I don’t then I’ll be under attack even if none of my options actually represent me. I want to be part of the decision making process. I want to be in the room where it happens and voting for someone slightly less evil to be in the room instead isn’t helping.

I’m not saying I want to be president. I’m saying I want consent, and our entire system of government is built on keeping up the illusion of consent. They’ll say, “See, everyone voted for me, so that’s consent,” but if you look even a little behind the curtain, you’ll find desperate people doing all they can to survive. That’s not consent. That’s extortion.

Authority should only be granted with transparency and accountability to the people who are under that authority, and if that’s not possible, then that position of authority should not exist.