Pubdate: Wed, 11 May 2005 Source: South Wales Guardian (UK) Contact: 2005 South Wales Guardian Website: http://www.thisisammanford.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3795 Author: Sid Whitworth Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake