Democratic wrongs
Well, for what it’s worth, I’ve executed my democratic rights. I can’t say that trying to find the least worst party (if you’ll forgive my contorted syntax) feels very good. Mr. Bsag on the other hand didn’t even get that opportunity. We submitted a form to get ourselves on the electoral register when we moved, but when my polling card had arrived and his hadn’t, he called the Council. After a long delay, they got back to him and said that they did have a record of our application, but because of a ‘clerical error’ he hadn’t been entered on the register. Oh, and it was too late to do anything about it. Great. So much for democracy in action.
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This election has been a shambles with regards to who's been able to vote. I know people who had six postal votes between the two of them, whereas their kids (aged 20 or so) didn't even have a polling card. A girl in my school's next door neighbour's new-born baby also got a vote. It's a bit crazy really.----- You should not feel disappointed bsag. Only those with "faith" can avoid voting for the least worst candidate, and I personally am glad to be politically agnostic, when I see the damage that those with such certainties have wreaked in the last few years. Floating uncommitted voters are the necessary ballast of sanity and common sense in our electoral system.
It has been interesting to see how much less self confident Tony Blair has become throughout this campaign as he has seen for himself how low he has sunk in the electorate's collective esteem. I had never previously realised how deeply he needs approval, unlike for instance Mrs T, who revelled in her unpopularity, because it confirmed her opinion of herself as a strong visionary leader.
The single most disappointing aspect of the election for me personally is the failure of the Lib Dems ambition to eat into the Conservative vote despite gaining seats overall. I would like to have more than two significant political parties.
by ThoughtBadger @ 06/05/2005 8:05 am • Permalink •
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I'd agree with that, ThoughtBadger. If the Lib Dems had made a few more gains (preferably in Letwin and May's seats, but anywhere really would have been good) I'd have been a lot happier. Still, they have made gains, and Kennedy seems to think they'll have a higher profile in this government.
by Matthew @ 06/05/2005 2:05 pm • Permalink •
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Matthew: Yes, the postal votes have been even more chaotic.
ThoughtBadger: Yes, you're right, but it still doesn't feel good to be 'ballast of sanity' as you put it rather wonderfully. I also agree about the Lib Dems. I don't like all their policies (which is fine), but they seem to be the only ones who retained their dignity and integrity over this election, and I'm sorry that they didn't do better.
Matthew: Let's hope so.
by bsag @ 07/05/2005 5:06 pm • Permalink •
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