Like most people I am appalled at the pre-election vandalism involving the slashing of car tires and other damage to signs etc. However this whole debacle would be less of a factor if there were no election signs on the property of the victim(s) advertising the incumbents’ party of choice.
During the run-up to any election, a plethora of these ugly signs suddenly blossom, defacing every neighborhood where they appear. What exactly are they supposed to achieve? Surely citizens who care about the outcome and are caring participants in the choices afforded by the democratic process, need no additional encouragement. Indeed the print and electronic media is choc-a-bloc with views, debates and associated commentary on the subject weeks before Election Day. Those whom I would refer to as “quality voters” use the foregoing to stimulate thought which will assist in shaping their views and maybe even change their political stripe. Forests of tacky wood and cardboard signs are unlikely to have much if any effect..
Perhaps worst of all are those who make frenetic attempts to persuade people to exercise their democratic right even though the entire subject is of little or no interest to them. Why? How much worth can be placed on a vote made under duress merely to appease a family member or to get some political busybody off their backs. The ongoing obsession with “the size of the poll” is meaningless if a sizable chunk of the voters falls into this category. Provided that the final electorate is comprised of all voters who are genuinely involved, regardless of percentage, the ensuing government will truly represent the views of a diverse but thoughtful populous.
Those not wishing to participate can then continue to follow their own stars; be it the Royal Wedding, Justin Beiber or the latest exploits of one Mr. Charles Sheen.
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