I am churning up with a guilt complex. These elections matter. I mean, they really matter.
I already know what's going to happen. Almost a third* of the electorate** will trot out to the Polling Station and cast their votes. What issues will be uppermost in determining where their vote will go? Iraq? Issues that I won't blog about
It is something that really ticks me off about the British electorate. On the one hand we go and vote on irrelevant national issues in local elections; on the other hand we complain when Central Government (of both Parties) plays fast and loose with the powers of the local council. In most mature democracies, local decisions are made locally, but not in Britain, where we complain when the streets don't get swept or when the schools are not up to scratch, and then, when we get the chance to influence how those vital services are delivered we vote on matters of global import.
I am in a luxurious position. there are twelve candidates in my ward, three from each of the four main parties. I don't know the Conservatives and I don't know one of the Greens, but the rest, I either know or have, at least, contested (and won!) an election against them!
I'm in the double luxury position of having a choice - I shall vote Labour because I have confidence in the ability of Lambeth Labour Group to run Lambeth council in accordance with my beliefs and to be accountable to the electorate. I also know that they won't overspend on the NHS, invade Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel or Italy. Mainly because they don't have the means to do so. And I shall vote Labour because I do not have to face the dilemma of voting for the party most likely to beat the BNP. It's always a matter of relief when I learn that the BNP will not put up candidates in Brixton Hill ward. Too scared. Although it would be delightful to see them utterly humiliated and trounced.
I've been a bad political "activist"...I explained to a councillor/candidate in a neighbouring ward that having chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Yuppie Burn Out caused by being a councillor for eight years, I don't have the strength to be out on the campaign trail. That and an unconscionable lack of personal motivation and drive. He said that that people with Yuppie Burn-Out row across the Atlantic to cure it. As if, can you imagine me blogging from a rowboat mid-Atlantic.
Seriously though, just the other day, in the course of work I had reason to look at the website for the local council where my brother etc live. I was invited to type in a post code and discover the local councillors. So I typed in Brother Etc's postcode. The first name was a typical posh looking Tory, address in local posh historic village; the second was typical smarmy garigiste Tory, address c/o City Hall. The third picture churned my stomach, a stereotypical nasty looking skinhead thug. "Crikey, is that what the Tory Party has come to?" I thought. Then I saw it and my stomach churned with revulsion. BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY.
I looked at again at the pictures of the Tories and thought - they look like reasonable civilised men. No doubt we would disagree of many matters of policy, maybe of matters of fundamental principle. Maybe I would detest them and what they stood for. But you know what - if I lived there, and that was the only information I had to inform my voting behaviour, I would vote Tory. And I would do with a heavy heart and a clear conscience.
Imagine waking up one day and realising that your views, needs and interests are represented by one, or two, or three BNP councillors.
Imagine even worse - it's not just a handful of impotent bullyboys throwing their weight around on the margins of the Town Hall, but they are actually running the council. Determining the housing policy, running the schools your children or your neighbours' children attend. Having the power to grant or withhold licences. Responsible for the personal homecare that your granny or aged parent depends upon. Stifling democracy with the jackboot.
One thing that the BNP is superbly good at is mobilising their supporters to vote. BNP supporters do not stay at home to watch Eastenders, they go out and vote.
I'm going to be voting anyway. Early...ish. And often - where I live, throughout London and in many non-Metropolitan districts, all the seats are up for grabs. Three councillors to be elected, three candidates from each of the mainstream parties, and three votes for Gert. I shall vote Labour and pray that across the country people of good intentions vote for the mainstream party most likely to defeat the fascists.
* or fewer, if raining
** in areas where there are elections - I know that's not everywhere
