BONFIRE Night got me thinking and my penny’s worth of thought hovers aptly over the memory of a certain Guy.
Now I’m not advocating we splurge out on a barrel of gunpowder and raze the Commons to the ground like Guy Fawkes planned.
Rather I think we should follow Gandhi’s example, employ our hearts and minds and, through a policy of non-violence, use our vote to effectively “clean house”.
The Kelly Report into MPs’ expenses has finally been published and, as I anticipated, it’s utter nonsense.
Why is there such a lack of imagination in the corridors of power?
Why does Joe Bloggs see remedy and reform so clearly and those in power are seemingly so completely inept?
The forthcoming election is the most important in British politics for a long time. If ever there was a time for the youth of today to come together in one voice, it is now.
Only recently have I taken a serious interest in politics. Until now I’ve been disillusioned, as most of my generation are.
I couldn’t have cared less about politics because I was too busy enjoying myself to be considered for a speaking part on the political stage.
But people grow up – they change, they evolve and mature – and I think it’s high time politics did too.
Decisions must be made for humanity in the long run, not what’s going to guarantee election victory in five years or make the most amount of money in the shortest possible time.
Realising the irrelevance of whether Tory, Labour or the Lib Dems lead the country is an enlightened attitude, not a cynical one.
All three parties are as bad as each other and are unlikely to change.
I feel sorry for those MPs who have dutifully served the public trust, earned every penny and taken their position seriously.
It’s unfortunate their reputations and achievements have been sullied by those purely out for themselves.
Our capitalist culture is obsessed with the accumulation of money, sick with greed and selfishly hungry for power.
It should come as no surprise that some MPs are a product of that society.
Placing them on a pedestal and expecting them to live up to their “right honourable” title was folly and short-sighted on our part.
It’s up to us to change things, to carve for ourselves and future generations a better life.
This country seriously demands modernisation.
What is the point in having a House of Commons if the majority of the decisions it makes can be overturned by the House of Lords?
How can we reconcile the devolved parliaments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with Westminster’s central government?
I urge everyone of voting age to make themselves heard at the next election, not only by voting but by standing as candidates themselves.
I’m too much into my music to have time for anything else at the moment, but I would encourage others my age to definitely go for it.
We have the ability to effect change, we need to embrace this potential – not sit idly by and let the status quo prevail.
Now is the time!