In the recent local elections, I was asked by the Green Party if, as a supporter, I would be prepared to display a poster in my window. I said yes, but was a little uncomfortable when I saw its wording – “Vote Green”.
It gets straight to the point, I suppose. But I think that we should all make up our own minds. If our conclusions lead us in a certain direction, fine. I think the notion we see a poster in somebody’s window and vote on the strength of it is nonsense.
So I don’t really think that my views are consistent with putting a poster up in a window. I’d be happy to say which way I was voting and why, but the caveat is that we all need to decide for ourselves. That’s why I could never be a politician – I’m happy that I’ve got my thoughts sorted, but what somebody else thinks is for them to decide.
Same goes for religion, by the way. I’m happy to say what I think, but everybody needs to make up their own mind. I wouldn’t dream of trying to convince anybody else that I am right, that my truth is better than theirs. And that’s by-and-large the message I pass on to any evangelist who cares to knock.
Actually, I do think that religions usually offer people a good template to live a positive life, but I also think that there is nothing to stop someone living that same positive life anyway, without them having any religion. Whatever floats their boat. It’s the “live a positive life” bit which is important.
Mister Bump 
Reblogged this on Stroke Survivor and commented:
Yay, it is Friday again, and Fandango has just published his Friday Flashback post. The idea is that he picks a post from this day in a previous year, to give newer readers a better insight into what does and doesn’t make him tick.
I have always liked that idea, so shall also post my own reminiscence. As much as anything, it reminds me of where I was, where I am now, and how far I have come. Hopefully, you will find it entertaining along the way.
I always quite enjoyed politics, and this is a post I pulled from 3 years ago. At the time, I had dabbled in being a member of the Green Party, a membership which I let lapse when it became clear they intended to renege on the electorate’s decision over Brexit.
I can’t remember back three years, but early May, in the UK, is normally local election time. The Greens have very little electoral support in the UK (a few percent), and I suppose when they realised they had somebody sympathetic to their cause, they were bound to ask me to display something.
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