h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hmm... hmm... I'm having trouble deciding what I want to do...

I voted Labour in the last election, but rapidly became disillusioned with Blair's neo-Tory policies, and decided that the Lib Dems were considerably to the left. However, there is *no way* a Lib Dem councillor would ever get elected in my ward, and Labour is highly unlikely, but I couldn't bear to vote Tory. Post budget, I'm feeling a bit (operative word is 'bit', mind) more faith in the Labour party, but all the same... Basically, would you vote tactically for a party you don't really support at the moment, or would you vote for the party you feel best represents your views, despite the fact that they have no possible chance of winning?

Well, France aside, my beef is with the system-Western Democracy essentially now boils down to a choice between the centrist left, who tell you one thing and then do another, and the centrist/far right who openly tell you they will screw you and then do.

Both are beholden to the big corporations who are beholden to none except Mammon. And that isn't going to change anytime soon by spoiling your ballot...

Low turn out confuses and annoys politicians, and it may cause them to rethink. Spoiled papers are easily marginalised.
I am reminded of Tony Benn's words when he stood down from paarliament that he was looking forward to spending more time in politics. What he was recognizing weas that increasingly politics is happening outside of places like the houses of parliament-it's happening on the streets of Seattle and Milau...

Ben, you have now convinced me to rip up my Tesco card et all, that is far too scary. I never realised how closely my shopping is monitored...

I can't remember who posted the question about my privacy, but I only ever give my real name online when absolutely necessary - the internet, especially spam, is a prime example as to what happens when you give out too many details.

I don't disagree about the shift of power away from parliament and I think its in the main a good thing. Pressure group politics has pro's and cons as do all other systems.

My issue is about what happens when the political system is abandoned by Sensible People. The lunatics can take over the asylum and use the power to do real harm. So I'm going to carry on voting - as much a vote for continuing to be able to vote (think agcB covered this earlier). But I'll also make sure my own interests are served by involving myself in specific interest groups as well.

And I have avoided Club cards at all costs, and am probably marked out as a bore as I tell all the checkout girls why I don't have them.

and checkout boys. Sorry! And ladies. And men. And...

Supermarket cards are the work of the devil
Supermarkets are the work of the devil
Anybody who hasn't watched the other two programmes really ought to watch Food Junkies on Wednesday, BBC 2, 9.00...