Forgive me but this is something I must get off my chest! Here in the UK, as the world knows, we recently held a referendum to decide whether we should remain in or leave the EU. The majority of voters wished to leave. Yet some remainers have decided to take to the streets in protest about this.
Even more recently the United States held a presidential election. One of the largest, if not the largest democracy in the world. The majority decided to elect Donald Trump as their new president. Once again we see some American citizens taking to the streets causing riots and declaring Trump is ‘not my president’.
On a slightly lower level to all this, but still relevant to illustrate my point. I know of many occasions when the majority of members in my own trade union voted for strike action yet one or two individuals decided to ‘do their own thing’. By which I mean come in to work, crossing a picket line in complete defiance of the membership vote.
It is clear that in any voting situation, if you decide to abstain, you cannot complain too much about the result. But, even if you have voted, you must be prepared to accept defeat. Not everyone thinks the same as you. This, I’m afraid, is democracy at work.
I note that in the ‘Brexit’ vote many of the ‘Remain’ supporters seem to think those who voted ‘Leave’ were ‘stupid’. And that ‘Leave’ votes were somehow of a lesser value than their own. If not, why would they ask for a second referendum? Do they really think all the ‘stupid’ people would change their minds?
The reality is all of our votes are equal. Whether you were educated in university or left school with no qualifications. Whether you are 18 years old or 80 years old. Whether you live in London or Liverpool. At least the new prime minister seems to have accepted the decision of the country.
So the point of all this? There are many nations whose citizens aren’t given any choice. We in the West should feel an immense relief that ultimately we can elect those we wish to govern our country, but we can also remove them from power by the ballot box. And for those who do decide to have tantrums start riots perhaps it’s time to grow up!
Copyright © 2016. David Anderson. All Rights Reserved.
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