YOU CAN'T CRITICISE IF YOU DIDN'T VOTE

During election canvassing for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance in
Dinefwr, I was surprised by the level of apathy and even revulsion at
the democratic process - and not just among the young.

"All politicians are the same, so what's the point of encouraging them
by voting" was a common theme. Others were discouraged by what both
they and I believe are the increasing levels of persecution against
those not playing by the rules of the state.

Many more positively and perhaps laudably wanted radical electoral
reform before they would go near a polling booth.

Some even wanted a revolutionary change such as true anarchy in which
power is removed from the upper strata of government and transferred
to the local level or even the individual.

I suggest they all miss the point, in that short of sparking the sort
of revolutionary shift notorious for throwing up even more repressive
regimes, you have to engage in democratic-process to try and institute
change.

Many have been punished and even executed both in the past and the
present, for trying to gain what is, let's face it, probably people's
foremost right: the power to collectively kick out their leaders
without violence.

Alll around the world, I have seen masses of people in young
democracies like Greece, Bolivia, India and Indonesia get thoroughly
and energetically carried away by the novelty of having that right.
Their political awareness puts us to shame. I urge people to get
involved because you can't criticise politicians if you haven't taken
any interest in how they got power.

Meanwhile, I would like to thank everyone who supported me during the
General Election campaign, some at a perceived risk to themselves,
especially Dinefwr Green Group, the residents of Tipi Valley near
Cwmdu and Fox Housing Co-operative, Werndolan Organic Farm.

If any groups in Carmarthenshire would like me to give an informative
talk on the history, politics and benefits of cannabis, please get in
touch with me at the address below.

Sid Whitworth, Legalise Cannabis Alliance