the saying used to go - "the price of democracy is eternal vigilance" and still stands true - but the more common phrase in UK now (and other parts of the globe) " non-use of democracy leads to eternal apathy!
The English turn out in dribbling numbers for national elections and even less for local and then complain when the elected don't listen to them.
If we cherish democracy and want it to work for us we do need to be involved even at a small local level. The advice given under resident's parking scheme is apt. You do need to know your own councillors, not only by name but by handshake and opinions (theirs and yours).
there is no reason not to turn up to some or all council meetings apart from the TV and pub beckoning.
I once witnessed a whole council rejected at a local election in a small cheshire village and a great deal of the encouragement to rid them came frome the small village website. A new a better council were elected.
remember the case of the ex-Russian state (cant remember its name) were the elected govt were elected by fraud and the people turned out on the streets in the ice and snow and set up a snow city until the voting was re-done and the right man elected. I would be nice to think the brits would do the same - would they?
from little acorns do large oaks grow - be a little acorn sometime - make your voice and vote count!
I have been attempting to sort out my ex pat vote for the forthcoming UK election today- it ain't easy! I agree that there is a great deal of apathy and maybe part of the reason is that people can't see a great deal of difference between the major parties. It will be interesting to see if this subject generates much discussion, if it doesn't then you've proven the point.
By the way, why is it that a disproportionate number of participants are from overseas?
I have to admit apathy is rife in Marlborough and I did try to participate with this site at a local election by asking all the parties to forward a piece about them to put up on the site ....not one did ...surprise surprise
The offer still stands to our prospective local MPs ...one page each
Rob
__________________
I'm a Dyslexic Agnostic Insomniac...
I sit up all night wondering if there really is a Dog
Apathy is everywhere not just in Marlborough. Only when people get effected directly by something do they come out of their shells. Perhaps Marlborough is too comfortable.
If you were to suggest a radical thing, like the only way to resolve the traffic problems in Marlborough is to build a vaiduct from the top of Herd Street to the top of Postern Hill, then you may get all kinds of people coming out of their apathetic state.
quote: Originally posted by: harry "Apathy is everywhere not just in Marlborough. Only when people get effected directly by something do they come out of their shells. Perhaps Marlborough is too comfortable. If you were to suggest a radical thing, like the only way to resolve the traffic problems in Marlborough is to build a vaiduct from the top of Herd Street to the top of Postern Hill, then you may get all kinds of people coming out of their apathetic state. "
I mostly agree with harry - apathy is everywhere but NOT all over! But yes people do get comfortable. What catalyzed the rural people of Australia, was the demise of all the services they had been accustomed to. When something is taken away you either become more apathetic or strike back.
Not sure if suggesting radical things would necessarily work but certainly attempting to do radical things would. For me it's the doing not the talking that gets results.
For example a small group of people I know who live in a rural village in Cheshire formed a group called the friends of the forest and them proceeded to clean up the forest independently. Eventually the local council so the value and chipped in some money. The principle was lets do it first and then ask for more later. It's a bit like parents teaching by example rather than by telling!
people do have people power but only when they mobilize. And the worst thing I ever hear, is I'll wait for someone else to start it!
my god didn't realize it was that bad.................it's creeping into messageboards now!.....................which pub was that arthur? -maybe we can set up a pub discussion group!
quote: Originally posted by: garabaldi "my god didn't realize it was that bad.................it's creeping into messageboards now!.....................which pub was that arthur? -maybe we can set up a pub discussion group!"
I would set up a thread to see if people will post what each pub is like....but I have a feeling that the only people qualified to answer may already be in the pub of their choice
__________________
I'm a Dyslexic Agnostic Insomniac...
I sit up all night wondering if there really is a Dog
well we could always organise an apathetic democratic pub crawl - that should go down well and at the end of the night wish each other an apathetic democratic good night - as all erection leaders will do!!
resident's parking scheme is apt. You do need to know your own councillors, not only by name but by handshake and opinions (theirs and yours).
