In Great Britain this very day a General Election is happening. In my opinion it is the duty of every citizen to vote in elections and I scorn those who opt out for reasons that are generally quite pathetic. The election was called by the current prime minister - Theresa May. She probably called it because over-confidently she imagined that at this particular point in time she could increase and fortify her majority.
During the seven week campaign she has come across as awkward and evasive. She has dodged interviews, debates and direct questions. Her strategy appears to have been - say "Strong and Stable" as many times as possible and I'll get in. She also thought she could win votes by denigrating the Labour leader - Jeremy Corbyn - painting him as an incompetent clown. It hasn't worked.
In contrast, Jeremy Corbyn has come across as a man at ease with himself and his radical manifesto. He has been greeted warmly by large crowds of supporters and has faced up to the questions, the debates and the interviews. He is an archetypal man of the people whereas Theresa May looks like she'd be happier sipping tea at a village whist drive.
I have voted in every election I was ever entitled to participate in and I have always voted for Labour. It is in my blood. Historically, Labour is the only party that has stood up for ordinary folk. They invented the National Health Service and working with trade unions they brought about massive improvements in wages and working conditions. They built the state education system. They introduced the minimum wage. For me it is Labour every time.
It is likely that May will scrape home and Labour will again be runners-up. If it weren't for the rise of the SNP in Scotland we would probably be back in office. However, I am proud of the campaign that Jeremy Corbyn has led and for presenting a Labour manifesto vision that is not mealy-mouthed and watered down. He's a better man than previous Labour leaders Ed Milliband, Gordon Brown or Tony Blair ever were. As the poster said - USE YOUR HEAD! VOTE LABOUR!
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| Jeremy Corbyn |
I sit here scorned. I did want to vote to hang parliament but couldn't find anywhere to put my cross.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought that a 'rope' would have been of more use than a X Adrian ?
DeleteIn Adrian's case a crucifixion may be more appropriate than a lynching.
DeleteNo, hanging is more British. Crucifixion is a long drawn out messy business. More to Saudi taste I'd have thought.
DeleteGood luck! I hope Labour wins the day!
ReplyDeleteThey won't win the day but our Prime Minister might end up looking pretty stupid for calling an unnecessary election.
DeleteGreat and informative post, we'll see how it ends. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteGlad you appreciated it Comrade Blogoratti.
DeleteI'll be seriously glad when it is all over. There were things I hated about all three of the main parties, did not support my usual favourite and dithered about the other two. If only Screaming Lord Sutch were still here!!! I did think of abstaining but thought I might be visited by the ghost of Emily Pankhurst so put my cross half-heartedly. It'll be a close result, I reckon.
ReplyDeleteThe Monster Raving Loony Party are really less batty than the main stream parties. My favourite policy was to combat global warming by installing air conditioners back to front. Ssh! These comrades may think it sensible.
DeleteYou can be Monster Raving Loonies together! ADDY and ADIE - your names sound similar.
DeleteI can't vote, but if I could, I'd certainly lean in that direction!
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear Steve.
DeleteI have chosen my party, voted, and now it is in the lap of the gods.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't voted Labour I hope you have gone for The Yorkshire Party candidate Mrs Weaver.
DeleteI used to believe everyone had a duty to vote as well, but lately I have altered that to include "duty to educate oneself before voting" and I have to say it's not an easy process to fully and completely educate oneself. It takes more interest in the technicalities of government than most people have time or energy for. It also takes being able to sift through the mountain of printed material generated by the media as well as the parties.
ReplyDeleteIf we are part of a society that is directed by government then in my view we should participate. Nobody can be in control of all the "facts", the half-truths and the key arguments. Nobody. Sometimes gut feeling means more than mastery of the facts.
DeleteI would hope labor get in. I've also never missed a vote but I have voted for more than one party.
ReplyDeleteDid you vote foe Red's Birthday Party?
DeleteHere in Australia it's compulsory to vote, but even if it wasn't I would vote...always. I am proud to vote...it is my right to do so and I grab it with both hands, head held high.
ReplyDeleteI believe those who don't cast a vote don't have the right to offer a political opinion. One can't have it both ways, in my opinion. They should keep their mouths shut and suck it up!
In years now long past I've helped out on election days handing out "How to Vote" cards. I used to be a member of a party branch when I was living in Brisbane. I was secretary to the chairman and was a delegate at a convention in 1974.
You are a true democrat Lee! Vote for the Lee Party but remember to bring a bottle and some tinnies!
DeleteMay sure did make a big mistake for herself and her party.. I too have been a labor supporter forever.
ReplyDeleteMay will find it hard to carry on. Perhaps she should change her last name to Maybe... or Mayhem. Thanks for calling by again Mama Bear.
DeleteAlthough I have never voted Conservative in my life I was not a JC supporter. I'm still a bit unsure but I concede that he has come across as a very sincere person.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me about GE2017 is the diminishing role of the print media. The likes of the Daily Mail and the Express have been running the most disgraceful character assassination of Jeremy Corbyn and scare stories and yet they seem to have had little or no effect.
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