Seán H (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} ohnefuehlen) wrote,@ 2009-06-09 19:33:00 |
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You can only blame your problems on the world for so long, before it all becomes the same old song
I've heard from a few different people, now, that they didn't vote in the European elections because it was too confusing, they didn't know who all the parties were or what they stood for or what MEPs did.
Guys? This information is widely available from a variety of sources. It's just a google away. I know that if you're not used to thinking politically, or you don't already have a broad familiarity with UK and EU political systems, or you're not used to tracking down specific information on the Internet, that this can be difficult and irritating.
But EU elections are every five years. A bit of factfinding and then a walk down to the library once every five years isn't much to ask in the way of political participation.
Democracy grants massive power to huge numbers of people, but along with that power comes, say it with me, responsibility. All the moaning about the varied evil of politicians doesn't do a bit of good if we don't actually make any effort to put teeth to our feelings.
(this is not aimed at anybody in particular, & I'm not interested in attacking whatever perfectly good reasons you may have had for not voting. But I still think you should have voted! If turnout had been anything remotely decent, I am quite convinced that the BNP would not be heading to Europe now)
I've heard from a few different people, now, that they didn't vote in the European elections because it was too confusing, they didn't know who all the parties were or what they stood for or what MEPs did.
Guys? This information is widely available from a variety of sources. It's just a google away. I know that if you're not used to thinking politically, or you don't already have a broad familiarity with UK and EU political systems, or you're not used to tracking down specific information on the Internet, that this can be difficult and irritating.
But EU elections are every five years. A bit of factfinding and then a walk down to the library once every five years isn't much to ask in the way of political participation.
Democracy grants massive power to huge numbers of people, but along with that power comes, say it with me, responsibility. All the moaning about the varied evil of politicians doesn't do a bit of good if we don't actually make any effort to put teeth to our feelings.
(this is not aimed at anybody in particular, & I'm not interested in attacking whatever perfectly good reasons you may have had for not voting. But I still think you should have voted! If turnout had been anything remotely decent, I am quite convinced that the BNP would not be heading to Europe now)
