The Russell Brand never having voted story was brought to my attention this week. Was it Newsnight or something? I must admit I only skim read the a report of the interview but I think the gist/salient points were that Brand has never voted and encouraged others to do the same because it won't make the slightest difference.
Depending on the slant of the report he has been described as hero or zero.
No sitting on the fence this time. The "we fought for the vote brigade" have castigated him whilst others have applauded his view and talked of his brilliance.
I presume he is talking mainly about elections here, be it local council or General elections?
Of course in a way he is right. There is little difference between any of the main parties but in a way you can understand why. Services have to be provided, bills have to be paid and in the case of national government, financial institutions have to be pandered to. I'm not sure there is much room for manoeuvre.
So is anybody bothered if you don't vote?
Don't think for a second that any of the main parties care how many people don't vote. I've just read that in the 2010 UK election 76 per cent of the over 65s voted, compared to just 44 per cent of those aged 18 to 24. The result?
No cuts for pensioners despite the fact 47% of the welfare budget is spent on state pensions whilst the young have been shafted, tuition fees, EMA, no jobs. Not a coincidence?
I fully understand why people have become disillusioned and it's getting worse. The parties concentrate more and more on the key marginal seats. What's the political gain in Labour doing anything to help people in safe seats. Winning Middlesbrough is not going to win them the next election. So if you live in Middlesbrough? Maybe we would be better off if more people voted Tory? There's a thought.
But not voting is not the answer. If you don't vote because you care your vote is lost amongst those that vote because they are too lazy, ignorant or apathetic. If you don't want to support any of the parties, just say so. Go to the ballot box and put a line through your ballot paper.
If you're not prepared to take to the streets - at this stage I'm not (and I can't see many others either) it's the best way to have my voice heard and if more people did it............ Well at least the votes would be registered.
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