It’s not sour grapes – it’s political activism

Activists are being criticised for questioning the legitimacy of a single party government with a 24% mandate. The idea we should hand Cameron the right to rule by decree, and meekly accept everything he does for the next five years, shows a basic contempt for the concept of democracy. The Prime Minister does not cease to be accountable to the electorate, simply because he scraped into power. We should not let the Government do what it likes unchallenged for the next five years – especially when we lack the right to recall MPs or bring about votes of no confidence.

The overwhelming majority of this country are not represented by this government. Protesting, writing to MPs, signing petitions, organising boycotts, promoting positive alternatives; all of these things are an acceptable form of redress.

Rather than crush the need for reform, the election has painfully exposed it. I do not support UKIP or the Green Party, but I do not consider it acceptable that they have 2 MPs between them – despite getting 5 million votes between them. At the same time Cameron required 34,255 votes for each of his seats.

Political engagement goes beyond voting every five years. On the face of it, there is nothing to stop the Conservative Party being in power until 2025. However a government can be forced into ‘u-turns’. Opposition to the poll tax resulted in the end of poll tax and Mrs. Thatcher’s resignation. In opposition the Conservatives campaigned successfully to keep Britain out of the disastrous Euro. Successful protests from such organisations as DPAC and Black Triangle, contributed towards Atos hastily withdrawing from their contract with the government. So don’t give up or despair. There are plenty of things you can do, for only a bit of time and effort:

1. Write to your MP or councillor – rather than moan about stuff to your loved ones – direct your grievances to your elected representative.
2. If you are amongst the economically active, join a union – research has shown workers in unions get a better deal (and the non-employed are allowed to join too).
3. Join a political party – and if you support a party that does not have a branch in your area (such as the National Health Action Party or CISTA) than see if you can help set one up.
4. Boycott tabloid newspapers – as they exist only to spread ignorance.
5. Join protest groups.
6. Volunteer at food banks or homeless shelters.

For just a few hours a week, we can all make a hell of a difference!