Boycott the Election

[Jim Franklin]

In case anyone is interested, I have started a Group on Facebook with the sole intent of encouraging people to boycott the looming election.

I understand that this may seem daft to some people, but if everyone in this nation actually did boycott it then this would leave us with no Government, and Westminster would have to listen to the people for once.

I know not everyone in the UK uses Facebook, but if you agree with this, then join us and spread the word.

Perhaps we can somehow get the press to talk about it...anyone with any connections to the media should consider a chat if they agree with this.

Again..you will find the Group here

[Kiwi 1691]

Do you really think you'll get enough support to have an effect?

kewl found you on facebook Jim

[Midas]

In case anyone is interested, I have started a Group on Facebook with the sole intent of encouraging people to boycott the looming election.

I understand that this may seem daft to some people, but if everyone in this nation actually did boycott it then this would leave us with no Government, and Westminster would have to listen to the people for once.

My sentiments exactly Jim......

[Jim Franklin]

Do you really think you'll get enough support to have an effect?

kewl found you on facebook Jim

In all honesty probably not...but if you don't try then you'll never know.

[Ian The Poet]

You should vote, because if you don't, you cannot argue about politics or more precisely government policies.

[Jim Franklin]

You should vote, because if you don't, you cannot argue about politics or more precisely government policies.

And who do you vote for if you agree with none of them Ian...voting for the sake of it is a wasted vote.

[Barry]

I don't think I can bring myself to abstain, although the choices are pretty dire.
Worst of several evils comes to my mind.

[Opinionated]

Not turning up can be interpreted as a sign of apathy more than protest. Register, turn up and then write "not bloody good enough" across the ballot paper.

[Jim Franklin]

Not turning up can be interpreted as a sign of apathy more than protest. Register, turn up and then write "not bloody good enough" across the ballot paper.

That's why I feel we should have the option of Abstaining on the ballot paper, that way no vote is wasted as people can choose to show the contempt they have and yet still make a vote that has an important impact.

[Barry]

That is a good point, Jim, an abstain box on the paper, I'd go for that to be printed as an option.

(Some of the chavs might think "Abstain" is a candidate's name though!)

[Midas]

That's why I feel we should have the option of Abstaining on the ballot paper, that way no vote is wasted as people can choose to show the contempt they have and yet still make a vote that has an important impact.

Or rather than just 'Abstain', a "None of the Above" is a far better and less ambiguous alternative - as Barry says, some of the chavs might think "Abstain" is a candidate's name

[Expounder]

And who do you vote for if you agree with none of them Ian...voting for the sake of it is a wasted vote.

Taking your argument to it's logical conclusion tells me a lot about the meaningless attitude of you and some members of this forum towards democracy however distasteful it may seem to them personally. Perhaps you would prefer anarchy.

It's fortunate that people as politically feckless and reckless as yourself are on the extreme margins of society. I must say I'm surprised at Midas [the great debater] agreeing with you, he's gone down in my estimation to zero. It shows just how vacuous the rabid right are when they get the chance to sound off in forums on the net.

The only thing between civilisation and savagery is the observance and acceptance of the ballot X result,, abstention or spoiling a ballet paper amounts to the same thing, opting out of democracy.
.

[DTE]

If you want to register your disappointment with the current state of politics in this country, then spoil the ballot paper. Not bothering to vote doesn't register your disgust, it doesn't register ANYTHING. You'll just be lumped in with all the people who can't be arsed going to the polling station. It achieves nothing and is tantamount to a slap in the face for anyone who has suffered for your right to vote.

[Midas]

The only thing between civilisation and savagery is the observance and acceptance of the ballot X result,, abstention or spoiling a ballet paper amounts to the same thing, opting out of democracy.

Sorry Exp, but you're wrong. Opting out of a ballot or better, spoiling the ballot paper, preferably with a very clear message that you don't consider any of the candidates worthy of receiving your vote, is a very important part of democracy in that it registers your disapproval of the system. There's little to be gained from simply voting for someone for the sake of it when you don't really believe that they'll do a decent job; that's tantamount to giving your tacit approval to a corrupt and outdated political system.

[Expounder]

Sorry Exp, but you're wrong. Opting out of a ballot or better, spoiling the ballot paper, preferably with a very clear message that you don't consider any of the candidates worthy of receiving your vote, is a very important part of democracy in that it registers your disapproval of the system. There's little to be gained from simply voting for someone for the sake of it when you don't really believe that they'll do a decent job; that's tantamount to giving your tacit approval to a corrupt and outdated political system.

The point I made was, if this argument was carried to it's logical conclusion and the majority opted for a spoilt ballot paper it would lead to a political vacuum and political crisis. As a "responsible" member of society what would be your answer to this scenario Maybe bring in the military and rule by Junta?

[DC]

Well, I sure as hell won't be voting.

[Jim Franklin]

Taking your argument to it's logical conclusion tells me a lot about the meaningless attitude of you and some members of this forum towards democracy however distasteful it may seem to them personally. Perhaps you would prefer anarchy.?

Nice leap to a conclusion there. I would not prefer anarchy, we have enough of that at the moment. Meaningless attitude, well I am sorry to have ruffled your feathers by free thinking, but as none of the candidates are worthy of the job there are precious few options. Yes that may be apathy, but better apathetic to a bunch of useless fops that simply voting for them so I can pat myself on the back.

It's fortunate that people as politically feckless and reckless as yourself are on the extreme margins of society. I must say I'm surprised at Midas [the great debater] agreeing with you, he's gone down in my estimation to zero. It shows just how vacuous the rabid right are when they get the chance to sound off in forums on the net.

Thanks for the further insult, I think that tells me more about your mentality that my post and thoughts do about me.

The only thing between civilisation and savagery is the observance and acceptance of the ballot X result,, abstention or spoiling a ballet paper amounts to the same thing, opting out of democracy.
.

Rubbish. The current system we have is about as Democratic as Stalin's Russia was. The first past the post system is not democratic, an ever decreasing number of voters are deciding who gets the top job and that is not democracy. Voting simply for the sake of Voting is not using democracy at all, and spoiling the ballot paper, whilst a good idea, simply gets them discounted and it's recorded as a no show as there is no other option for the recorders.

You either cast a valid vote, or you did not vote at all. That's all the system allows them to record, so spoiling the ballot paper may give you moral satisfaction, I accept that, it has no more effect than apathy....sadly.

[Jim Franklin]

If you want to register your disappointment with the current state of politics in this country, then spoil the ballot paper. Not bothering to vote doesn't register your disgust, it doesn't register ANYTHING. You'll just be lumped in with all the people who can't be arsed going to the polling station. It achieves nothing and is tantamount to a slap in the face for anyone who has suffered for your right to vote.

I have fought for this country, and I have buried 9 friends and former colleagues as a result of this corrupt and murderous regime we have at the moment so don't you dare make such a statement, I find that personally insulting as I have done as much to earn my right to speak my mind and vote or not as I see fit as much as anyone else in the country.

[Expounder]

Nice leap to a conclusion there. I would not prefer anarchy, we have enough of that at the moment. Meaningless attitude, well I am sorry to have ruffled your feathers by free thinking, but as none of the candidates are worthy of the job there are precious few options. Yes that may be apathy, but better apathetic to a bunch of useless fops that simply voting for them so I can pat myself on the back.

Their is a small minority who have always spoilt ballot papers or abstained, this is a petulant p*** in the wind by permanently disgruntled or lazy people many with totally negative attitudes who probably wouldn't vote for Jesus Christ in the second coming. There are also those who encourage spoiling the ballot for there own dubious reasons, some to advance the fortunes their own parties when they believe their own supporters are virtually guaranteed to turn out in force. There are also extreme right wingers who think their aims would be furthered by undermining the democratic process and opening the door to their extreme brand of politics.

Thanks for the further insult, I think that tells me more about your mentality that my post and thoughts do about me.

Don't mention it mate, In my opinion over the top flag waving so called patriots are a bigger danger to Britain than the people they are castigating. I don't have to wear England on my sleeve to appreciate the country I live in.

Rubbish. The current system we have is about as Democratic as Stalin's Russia was. The first past the post system is not democratic, an ever decreasing number of voters are deciding who gets the top job and that is not democracy. Voting simply for the sake of Voting is not using democracy at all, and spoiling the ballot paper, whilst a good idea, simply gets them discounted and it's recorded as a no show as there is no other option for the recorders.

I think a form of P.R. will be introduced in this parliament if Labour is elected, however, if Cameron is elected we can kiss goodbye to that Idea. First past the post has served Britain for many years and has and has been generally accepted by the electorate and respective parties, and given stability to government over that time. However times have changed, the world has changed and in spite of whats generally said about political apathy there are more people in this GE who have definite opinions about what they want, particularly the 32 % uncommitted voters who like to see a hung parliament.

Your analogy of equating Stalinism to the first past the post system is a scatter brained statement which I believe most on this forum would agree irregardless of their political stance. I agree, the first past the post system seems has had it's day with the electorate, if it is replaced by P.R., democracy would be enhanced, but be prepared for some stormy political waters ahead and a political system much less stable than in the past. ..........................Regards Exphttp://www.politic.co.uk/images/icons/happy.gif

[DTE]

I have fought for this country, and I have buried 9 friends and former colleagues as a result of this corrupt and murderous regime we have at the moment so don't you dare make such a statement, I find that personally insulting as I have done as much to earn my right to speak my mind and vote or not as I see fit as much as anyone else in the country.

But you are NOT speaking your mind. Thats the whole point. On the one platform that matters, you will remain silent. TBH its a internet forum, get offended all you like, bothers me none. You give your opinion, I give mine. No need to get all bent out of shape.

[Jim Franklin]

But you are NOT speaking your mind. Thats the whole point. On the one platform that matters, you will remain silent. TBH its a internet forum, get offended all you like, bothers me none. You give your opinion, I give mine. No need to get all bent out of shape.

Except I do speak my mind, here, in everyday life and even to the point of emailing the party leaders...oddly enough the only one who responds is David Cameron...clearly Cleggy and Brown feel they are above responding to one one of their employers!!

I will get bent out of shape when you make crass and insulting comments about my attitude toward some of the most fundamental aspects of our society which I have personally fought to defend. I didn't and don't simply sit an an armchair gobbing off looking in a mirror and feeling all proud of myself..something you give the impression of doing.

[DTE]

Except I do speak my mind, here, in everyday life and even to the point of emailing the party leaders...oddly enough the only one who responds is David Cameron...clearly Cleggy and Brown feel they are above responding to one one of their employers!!

I will get bent out of shape when you make crass and insulting comments about my attitude toward some of the most fundamental aspects of our society which I have personally fought to defend. I didn't and don't simply sit an an armchair gobbing off looking in a mirror and feeling all proud of myself..something you give the impression of doing.

WTF Jim!? Obviously a sore subject. Tell me, do you usually get *so* very offended when people simply disagree with you? Jesus, have a drink, have a smoke, ***DO SOMETHING REMOVED AT MOD'S REQUEST***, whatever the hell gets you off but calm the **** down. I guess you are not like me. No, you are the type of loon that gobs off to anyone who'll listen, and apparently to those that don't, by starting your stupid little facebook groups that have ooh look 5 members! Well, I stand corrected, major reform is on the way, brought to us by Jim Franklin! Your idea of registering your disgust by NOT VOTING puts you in the same category as 'Billy the little Chav' who won't vote either because he doesn't care. In real terms, your contribution is EQUAL to his. Your vote is what counts. Even a spoiled ballot is kinda useless but at least it registers your disgust with someone! Sitting in YOUR armchair on polling day has no effect at all.

I have all the respect in the world for the armed services, but people who feel their OPINION on unrelated subjects is somehow more worthy 'just because' they've served their country get right up my nose. As the tone of this post probably implies.

[Jim Franklin]

DTE....I owe you an APOLOGY...I just went back to quote the comment that had brassed me off and noticed it was made by Expounder and not you...so my last reply to you was off kilter and not warranted. You did not make the insult so please accept my apologies.

As for the last post of yours...LOL Due to the mistake by myself I will not answer that post, I could but simply won't on this occasion as it was my mistake that caused you to respond in that way.

You have me curious about the bit the Mods made you remove...I am sure it would have made me laugh more than anything else from the other comments you made..if feel inclined to PM them to me I could do with a laugh as it is proving to be a very stressful week and I need a laugh..even if it is at my expense!

[DTE]

No problem Jim. As we get close to election time, I imagine tempers will flair all over the place. Apology accepted. I've mixed up posts before too

And it gives me the chance to use this emoticon which I've never used ever

[Jim Franklin]

No problem Jim. As we get close to election time, I imagine tempers will flair all over the place. Apology accepted. I've mixed up posts before too

And it gives me the chance to use this emoticon which I've never used ever

I wish I could say the election was my problem, but sadly that is the very least of my worries....have some very serious personal issues that have reared their ugly head this last few days...

[Noggin]

Vote Jim.

Even under this ancient, bent, feudal, undemocratic, crass, convenient for the money graspers system that is currently employed, where the vast majority of votes cast count for squiddlydot.......still vote.

Even if you vote for the greedy ***** that will never, ever, I say again, never, change......still vote.

Even though China is fifty times more democratic than them.......still vote.

Even though the triad of greed party voters might as well drop there trousers/skirts at the polling booth and take it there and then up the **** from one of the greedy ********........still vote.

They like the few people that can see through them not to vote. I'm just disappointed none of the ******* have knocked on my door yet. Perhaps they've got better memories of previous elections than the UK public.