After the shocking events in Birstall, West Yorkshire, last Thursday, the thought of voting in this week’s Referendum almost seems irrelevant. That the life of such a gifted individual could be taken so quickly and in such an horrific way is one of those life-changing things that can make us feel guilty for returning to the mucky waters of politics and whether it’s best for our country to remain in the EU or leave the EU.
It’s even more important that we use our votes
But I think last week’s events – in Orlando and other places as well as in Birstall – actually make it even more important that we use our votes.
I think the decision we have to make this week is one of the most difficult any of us will ever make – much more so than a general election – and whether you’re an “in” or “out” or still not sure, it’s our responsibility to make a decision and live with the consequences. Even if we don’t like the result, the decision is the best way of using our democratic process to have some influence on our future.
But what about the campaigns?
I can see the strengths and weaknesses from both sides of the campaign.
But I’m disappointed with the scaremongering and immature campaigning from both sides. Just once, it would have been good to see our politicians give us some proper facts to help us make our decision. Instead, we’ve had the usual public schoolboy debate, name-calling, misrepresentation – everything except throwing the bread rolls across the dining room.
But in spite of the appalling excuses for campaigns, we still have to make the decision. And we have to get up on Friday morning and get on with our lives even if we don’t like the result. Either way, please use your vote this Thursday and let’s hope that the country can return to some sort of normality sooner rather than later.
Marie
June 2016