Vote!

Surrendering to apathy or indifference is to squander the rights fought for or defended by others whose names are inscribed on war memorials in the towns and villages of the nation and the older people who you see out and about that perhaps fought in the second world war.

Think of it when people had no real say, when all you could do was petition the monarch, or grovel to the local Baron.

Imagine living under the cruel regimes we read about on our news and the agonising plight of incarcerated individuals locked up or even tortured for simply speaking out and who organisations like Amnesty International try to help.

If you don't use it, lose it' That's true of our rights to vote. Collective public concern and sentiment can translate into the political programme of those we elect to govern.

Of course it is strikingly imperfect and at the moment the democractic process is somewhat shaky with confidence in politics at rock bottom. That is not a basis for turning away from it as many people have. It is essential that people vote and engage with the opportunities of the democratic system.

Don't just whinge about things. Learn about them, write to or even visit the M.P. Write to your local paper, speak on radio phone ins, join political parties or organisations that fight for the things you believe in. By whatever means ensure you engage with it. Its the least worst of systems and it has implications from cradle to grave.

Your country, your future and and that of democracy needs you to vote so do it. It is our moral responsibility in the interests of freedom and opportunity.

Andrew Brown

WORCESTER