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

Hi. Just thought I'd pop over from FFFF and greet you and as the ACEs haven't infiltrated this space yet I might as well say "Welcome to h2g2!". Anyhow, I seem to share your irritation with political and religious extremes. But who will you be voting for this May then? (holds breath and hopes you won't say the dreaded name...)

Hi, thanks for dropping by. If by 'dreaded name' you mean Ken Livingstone, then the answer is indeed 'no'. I think the guy's out of touch and Londoners are supporting him for sentimental reasons - the GLC in the 1980s, the spat with Thatcher, and so forth. There is nothing we English love so much as an ineffectual rebel - it gives us the chance to let off a bit of steam, without actually changing anything. Livingstone fits perfectly into this category. If he does win, and he probably will do, I give it about one year maximum before he becomes the most unpopular man in London. If I vote at all, it will be a vote for the Greens, without expecting them to win, of course ....

Hope this answers your question.

Ahhh... at least you're a non-conformist and dare not to vote Ken - a refreshing change. I wonder what would happen if the greens got in - abolition of roads to be replaced by a fantastic cycle network perhaps?

I have a fantastic cycle myself - though unfortunately not much of a network to use it on, here in London - so I don't know what you're complaining about there. Abolishing roads would presumably also mean the abolition of car journeys in the capital, and therefore the biggest threat to the mere existence of the cyclist - not to mention thousands of other harmless endangered species - would be eliminated in one swift, efficient movement. Obviously it's not going to happen - but that really would be, yes, pretty fantastic ....

I'm not complaining - just being merrily cynical. I too live in London but have pretty awful cycling facilities. Where in London are you? Personally I hope for a Dobson win - not just because I'd vote Labour but because I think he's the most sensible, suited candidate.