We’ve reached a low in regard for democracy
IT is time we recognised that the British electorate is a disgrace.
When an occasional 30 per cent turnout in local elections is seen as a successful highlight then we can truly say we’ve reached an appalling low in our regard for democracy.
Regrettably, it is also true that many of those who don’t vote for local councillors will subsequently be lining up to criticise the decisions of their councils.
I don’t believe that compulsory voting should be introduced, however, because the action of voting should be seen as the inevitable and voluntary outcome of responsible and aware citizenship. The solution lies, in part, within our education system and that’s another story!
May I also take the opportunity to thank the voters of Hartlepool for openly and convincingly displaying that this country does not support all those who are disadvantaged but instead values lies, deceit, corruption, cronyism, incompetence, elitism, greed and disregard for the rule of law.
Bob Waterton, Braunstone Town
THE country is preparing for the next step closer to the old normal.
So far, we’ve had the snooker final with an audience and the Liverpool live music gig.
Some fans will have tickets to see City play Chelsea on Saturday. Yes, trials (albeit under certain conditions) are under way in the UK. I have followed this with interest as have many.
What I didn’t know, however, was that Watermead Country Park was also having a trial (strictly controlled and not publicised) of open air live theatre!
To my delight I happened upon it by accident: a performance no less of King Lear, watched by a carefully socially distanced cormorant and heron!
As far as I know it proved successful and other birds will be offered tickets for more trials.
On a rather different note, many many thanks to Len Goodman, supporter of the Trussell Trust, for his letter encouraging readers to seek out the poem Acceptable, by “Anonymous Mother”, about using a food bank (Mailbox, May 10).
It was indeed powerful and sobering to all of us fortunate enough not to need a food bank’s sadly valuable services. “There but for fortune go you or I” sums it up... or as one line in the poem says, “It could happen to anyone.” As some of us will soon seek live entertainment, others will still seek food.
Les Gallop, Leicester