Not another one!

Was the famous reaction of Brenda from Bristol when the 2017 general election was announced. Elections aren’t always popular. A recent international survey by the University of Cambridge found that faith in democracy among 18-34 year olds is in steep decline.

As a political canvasser, I am sometimes told on the doorstep: “We’re not interested in politics! They’re all the same! Can’t trust any of them!” Or I’m dismissed by a little notice on the front door grouping me with cold callers, uninvited traders and religious groups.

For Northumberland residents, 1st May is our opportunity to vote for representatives to run our County Council. Councillors decide how to spend the community’s money – on important things like schools, bins, social care and potholes. They are volunteers, receiving only a modest allowance, and are generally motivated by a genuine desire to make things better. And we get to choose who they are.

The following Thursday, 8th May, we are invited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day. That should be a solemn reminder of the price of our democratic freedom, which can’t be taken for granted. We don’t have to look far to see greed and violence waiting for an opportunity to take control. If we can’t be bothered with citizenship, we’ll end up as subjects. 

1600 years ago, St Augustine wrote that “In the city of the world both rulers and the people they dominate are dominated by the lust for domination; whereas in the City of God all citizens serve one another in charity, whether by the responsibilities of office or the duties of obedience.” His idea of a “City of God” was not meant to be an other-worldly ideal, but something we should work towards “on earth as it is in heaven”.

So, consider your candidates carefully, vote and get involved. We can live in a kind, fair and peaceful world if we choose to.                                                                  

Bob Turner