tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172766774137902766.post7591061136409465965..comments2023-12-23T09:28:20.869+00:00Comments on The View from Cullingworth: On by-elections...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172766774137902766.post-16441218106352288412014-02-14T17:33:52.253+00:002014-02-14T17:33:52.253+00:00I understand what you're saying in a sense, in...I understand what you're saying in a sense, in that not taking part in politics due to being essentially ok luxury denied to those at the very bottom (prevented by dictators or hellish circumstances from doing anything) or those slightly above the bottom (who will take a role in politics because they have something, can see their way to getting more, and want/need to fight for a better future).<br /><br />However, the success of that petition for a parliamentary debate on drugs has very recently nudged us towards a serious social argument on the failed war on drugs, which prohibitionists will lose...<br /><br />... and that's just one of the many ways in which engagement is good. The politicians Russell Brand despises might end up giving him at least some of what h wants, without the revolution he complacently and flatulently demands, knowing full well it won't actually happen.<br /><br />I do understand those who think politics won't change anything. But if you berate "them" for not listening, why WOULD anyone listen to someone who doesn't do anything to make his voice heard? <br /><br />Hence I am not 100% but for the most part I am in disagreement.asquithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14246701347539264295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172766774137902766.post-7478331037725416432014-02-14T14:15:34.071+00:002014-02-14T14:15:34.071+00:0015.4 % of the electorate voted for the Wythenshawe...15.4 % of the electorate voted for the Wythenshawe MP<br />84.6% did'nt.<br />And we still have "intelligent"<br />windbags supporting the system.<br />Democracy,forget it<br />Anyone who votes is just asking for a ONE PARTY STATE.<br />Pointless,just condoning the contempt of Westminster for the people<br />Show YOUR contempt DONT VOTE Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172766774137902766.post-9691408151397640062014-02-14T13:57:55.399+00:002014-02-14T13:57:55.399+00:00"So people are wise. They know that replacing..."So people are wise. They know that replacing one politician with another at a by-election isn't really a big deal."<br /><br />Indeed: and they're also aware that the same applies in <i>general</i> elections. Moreover, the strong suspicion that postal voting - instead of being a convenience for those few who can't be realistically expected to turn up in person at a polling station - has become a vehicle for extensive electoral fraud makes voting an even less useful activity.Umbongonoreply@blogger.com