A Question of Choice

As we all sit nervously awaiting the results of the local elections here in the UK, the question of choice comes to mind. Have we made the right choice with our votes? The ballot papers have a choice of candidates each with their own agendas and we have the choice. Do we go for the candidate that has an agenda we like or the one with the agenda that benefits us or the agenda that benefits the council as a whole or do we use our vote to vote for change even if the change doesn't benefit us? What if none of the candidates had what we thought were credible agendas? Do we just not vote? Surely that impedes our ability to speak up and demand change. There were debates in the papers this week with some opting not to vote because they don't see a choice or an option to vote for. Are they right not to vote or would it better to vote for something which you don't agree with?

The Oxford English dictionary defines choice as the 'act of choosing' and also the' power to choose'. So does that mean that if we have the power to choose we should use it or does it mean that if we have the power to choose we can do so if we want. It no secret that most people are disenfranchised with the present government. One only need look in the papers of the past couple of weeks to find a reason (NHS, Slease scandals, immigration issues to name a few) but do we have credible alternatives?

Some may point the Tories or the Liberal democrats as credible alternatives. Others the BNP. But they can only cite issues which the parties differ on. Each of us have things that matter to us and if non of the parties tackle those issues what do we do? What if you have two burning issues and they are tackled substantially (according to you) by different parties? Besides do you jump from a sinking ship or try to rescue it? Do you seek to change a party to reflect/tackle your issues or you just move to another that you feel does?

Thats the thing about choice it allows your or gives you the power to choose but if the range does not include what you want then power to choose becomes worthless.