3 Comments so far:

Dear Mark,

I posted the information for a number of reasons. And these reasons are unrelated to the particular government we have in westminster just now. They are apolitical in the sense of party politics or any particular policy. I just happen to think that voting at any time is a right that should be exercised. 

You should also note that local elections fall on the same date as the euro elections for a good proportion of the country (one third I think) and I would like to encourage a good turn-out for this as well. Perhaps the current fiasco over greedy expense claims might encourage people to express their views via the ballot box.

And I know how much people despair about politics, but that is the way with worldly conventions: they are not perfect, we have to work hard to keep them going and we can easily become averse towards them. So rather than wallowing in despair and apathy, maybe we can act in a skilful and intelligent way to influence and reform the parliamentary process - knowing of course that this is an endless task rather like clearing out the mythical stables,

best wishes

Chris 

Dear Chris,

You wrote:

'The turn-out for European Elections can be low and this favours candidates from the more marginal and extreme parties.'

The only people who are particularly exercised by the prospect of a tiny number of individuals being elected to fringe rightwing parties like UKIP or the BNP because of the apathetic majority, are people with Leftwing political sympathies. QED! Your post is not apolitical at all, nor has it got anything so far as I can see to do with Buddhism. You were motivated purely by politics. This is made even clearer in your next sentence:

'Elected members automatically attract large amounts of European funding and gain a platform for their views.'

So the kind of MEP you want us to vote for is one who will spend lots of taxpayers money - British taxpayer's money at that since the UK is a net contributor to the EU, it is a very expensive way of recycling money.

Where are all the anti war protesters now? Lot's of Afghan civilians continue to die from NATO bombing and there is a military surge in progress. Where are the 'Buddhists Against the War' now?  Tony Blair and George Bush have both left office and now they don't care. Were they really motivated by humanitarian concerns or was it just hatred for their political opponents?

I believe it is important to vote, whoever one votes for.

I shall be voting on Thursday and I will be mindful of my values, aspirations and political philosophy when I do so.

I would like to see more people exercise their opinions and choice by voting. It matters because it impacts on us all, whether we like it or not.