We don't vote for toads

I’m going to vote at this general election. Almost certainly anyway. Now that I’ve got that out of the way I’d just like to add that not voting is a valid action and it is also an action that has consequences. It is not a nothing. It is not a wasted vote. It certainly sends a message and if you think that message is of the “I am not interested in democracy or in the sacrifices people made to get me the vote” then you are not listening carefully enough. A vote is never as cheap as one cast for an undeserving recipient.

Can I imagine a viable government which taxes my wages at source, then taxes my wages to pay for local government services, then taxes my wages whenever I buy a consumer product or private industry service and then taxes what little wage I can invest for my future when that government has a mandate from only 20% of the eligible population. No, I can’t and neither should you. The message in not voting is “must try harder – must do better”. The threat in not voting is not an idle one. It is the ruination of the conspiracy of the toads.

Pie in the sky? Yes, of course. But ask yourself why? Is it because the no-voters suddenly become aware of their ephemeral responsibilities and start taking notice of politics again or is it because the politicians suddenly start noticing that people aren’t voting and do something about it?