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Questions to ask before you vote

Election2010170Rev Philip Young considers the questions that we should all ask before we place our vote next week.

I hope that if you are able and eligible to vote in the General Election on May 7 then you will exercise your democratic right. Every vote matters because every human being matters, and we are all connected to one another by being human.
 
If you are not sure who to vote for then may I suggest some good questions to ask as you consider which candidate to choose?
 
1. Which candidate is compassionate? Do they care about ordinary men and women or are they only looking after themselves or their particular group?
 
2. Do they care about the poor? Do they understand what it is like to be poor or are they so out of touch with the day to day struggle of ordinary people that they find it hard to show any sympathy?
 
3. Are they only looking towards the next five years or are they thinking about the long term care of the planet? What are they saying about care for the environment?
 
4. Do they care for the foreigner and the stranger? There is good evidence that immigrants to the UK make a net contribution for the good. Do they recognise this in what they say? Do they want to maintain the overseas aid budget?
 
5. Is the candidate and their party able to heal the divisions within our society, or are their policies divisive? Do they recognise that all people are basically good, or do they demonise certain sections of our society?
 
We are asking our politicians to be public servants and to put service before self. Vote for the candidate who you think will best fulfil this high calling.
 
And when you vote thank God for all those brave people who have made it possible for ordinary men and women to exercise their democratic freedom.
 


 

Philip Young June 2014Philip is an Anglican, Quaker, and a member of the Third Order of Franciscans. He has recently moved to Felixstowe. Until July 2014 he was the Diocesan Environmental Officer for the Norwich Diocese. He is now a freelance writer on spiritual and political matters and is currently writing his first book called, ‘Vote for Love’. He is available to give talks, presentations or to preach, and has Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Norwich and can be contacted at philipyoung@btinternet.com



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