YOU
CAN'T CRITICISE IF YOU DIDN'T VOTE
Source: South Wales Guardian
Pub date: Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Pub LTE: You can't criticise if
you didn't vote
Web: http://www.thisisammanford.co.uk/
Contact: South Wales Guardian, Quay Street, Ammanford SA18
During election canvassing for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance in
Dinefwr, I was surprised by the level of apathy and even revulsion at the
democratic process - and not just among the young.
"All politicians are the same, so what's the point of encouraging
them by voting" was a common theme.
Others were discouraged by what both they and I believe are the increasing
levels of persecution against those not playing by the rules of the state.
Many more positively and perhaps laudably wanted radical electoral
reform before they would go near a polling booth.
Some even wanted a revolutionary change such as true anarchy in which
power is removed from the upper strata of government and transferred to the
local level or even the individual.
I suggest they all miss the point, in that short of sparking the sort of
revolutionary shift notorious for throwing up even more repressive regimes, you
have to engage in democratic-process to try and institute change.
Many have been punished and even executed both in the past and the
present, for trying to gain what is, let's face it, probably people's foremost right: the power to
collectively kick out their leaders without violence.
Alll around the world, I have seen masses of people in young democracies
like Greece, Bolivia, India and Indonesia get thoroughly and energetically
carried away by the novelty of having that right. Their political awareness puts us to shame. I urge people to get involved because you
can't criticise politicians if you haven't taken any interest in how they got
power.
Meanwhile, I would like to thank everyone who supported me during the
General Election campaign, some at a perceived risk to themselves, especially
Dinefwr Green Group, the residents of Tipi Valley near Cwmdu and Fox Housing Co-operative, Werndolan Organic
Farm.
If any groups in Carmarthenshire would like me to give an informative
talk on the history, politics and benefits of cannabis, please get in touch
with me at the address below.
Sid Whitworth,
Legalise Cannabis alliance
Alltygog
Maesglas
Penygroes.