There is an old saying about never discussing Politics or religion - in the Pub/at dinner/in mixed company/at work. It depends on which version you've heard or been taught. I suppose the same is true of a blog.**
It's probably quite sensible advice, especially if there is drink involved. They're both subjects that can lead to heated debate and insults flying from even the most civilised of people. I know this because I have friends who's opinion differs from mine on both politics and religion. Because we're reasonably civilised and have got involved in debate we've tended to 'agree to differ' on our opinions after all the heat has dissipated and insults have been flung.***
This post is obviously about the UK elections, not Religion.
So as not to cause too much heated debate and flying insults. All I will suggest is that you make the effort to Vote in some way, shape or form.
Like a typical Politician I'm then going to go on, after saying that's all I've got to say.
Even if you don't think any of the parties will make your life better, turn up and vote. Turn up and spoil your paper. The spoilt papers are counted. Yes, somebody still gets in. Somebody still gets in if you don't turn up and you have to deal with the way that the country gets run afterwards, but at least you'll have bothered to express how dis-chuffed you are.
Voting tactically is bollocks. If you think party X is best for your situation and how you feel the world should be. Vote for them. Rather than voting to keep out some bugger who you don't think will do the best for you. The voting system is imperfect, but the stuff that I've read about the 2010 election makes me feel that there is a groundswell for electoral reform. I hope I'm right. The numbers help. If another Government gets in, but more people have voted for a different party it adds fuel to the fire for a change in our voting system.
Yes. I understand that there is a big pile of fucked up economic turd that will have to be dealt with by whoever 'gets in' and I have no idea who will deal with it in the best way. Probably none of the Parties. They'll just muddle along. As we all do. So it sort of doesn't matter who 'gets in'.
That is no excuse for not voting though.
Vote.
Vote. Even if it just means turning up and expressing your disgust at all of the buggers by spoiling your paper.
Vote. Even if the person you really think will make the world better has no chance, vote for them. The numbers will get reported.
I'm working away Thursday and I knew this when the election date was announced. So I applied for a postal vote. I knew that I'd be leaving Town before the polling stations opened and might not be back before they shut. That's why I got a postal vote. If someone as un-together as myself thinks it's important to sort out a vote, then you should've****. You're more together than me aren't you? You care more than I do? You're cleverer than me, aren't you? Obviously not if you didn't sort your vote out. If you work nine to five you have no excuse, if you're not working you have no excuse. Just fucking vote.
If you're a Woman everything I've said counts double. In the past you weren't considered competent to vote. You weren't permitted to vote because of your genitals. If that doesn't make you angry enough to turn up at the polling station. I despair.*****
*Politricks. Read the definition. It works for me.
**Unless it's a specifically Political or Religious blog.
***Except for the colleague I discovered used to be a member of the NF and thinks the BNP are a good idea. I just do what's necessary to work with him.
****Although it's too late now. Just feel guilty 'til the next election.
*****More than is my normal level of despair at the human race.
Recent Comments