ME and Ophelia

Sir Paul McCartney did not bother to vote in the European elections

From The Daily Telegraph by Tim Walker, 09 June 2009:
Sir Paul McCartney admits he is struggling to give politicians a chance

As the man credited with Give Peace A Chance along with the late John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney has always taken a robust and occasionally radical line on politics.

Not any more. The former Beatle admitted to Mandrake at the St Martin's Lane Hotel in the West End that he did not bother to vote in the European elections.

"There was no one who inspired me or who I thought was worthy," said Sir Paul who was heavily influenced by Bertrand Russell in his youth and who went on to speak out against the Vietnam War. "There is not much idealism around these days. What with all these politicians fiddling their expenses, I think most people feel, like me, there is not a lot left to believe in."

He added that Britain had an urgent need for an "Obama-like figure" to inspire people, but he could not currently see one, even on the horizon. Still, Sir Paul, who was in town for the launch of a book called Told by his daughter Mary's boyfriend Simon Aboud, said he had no intention of abandoning the country.

"Don't worry – I am staying put," he said. "I'm disillusioned, but I am not that disillusioned."

Tsk tsk. A low turn out of voters enabled the fascist British National Party (BNP) to gain two seats in the European Parliament. I found it difficult to bring myself to vote for any of the 17 parties and almost abstained as a protest. Abstaining is stupid because non votes are construed as apathy. Many people have lost their lives fighting for democracy and a right to vote. Every vote counted in the European elections. My vote went to The Green Party in the hope that it might help our wonderful planet and wildlife.