Is it true that if you vote you can't complain? Because you know you're voting for sleazy MPs and support them

Question

For me (and I guess a lot of others) it's not this cliché that the politicians and media perpetuate that we cannot be bothered to vote. It's the fact that we've looked at the different parties and analysed what they say and concluded that not one of them is deserving of our votes. Or should we vote for a 'lesser evil' and accept legislation that we despise?

Just so we have the 'legitimate right' to complain? Therefore I'm voting for legislation that I hate just so I have the right to complain about that very legislation. Something here is just doesn't add up :-(

Answer 1

There used to be a saying that if you did NOT vote you had no right to complain.

I used to belong to a political party and thought that the vast majority of MPs were decent people trying to do a thankless job to the best of their ability. But now I am not so sure. It is one thing to compromise over details to get through a political programme you basically agree with. But how can so many Labour MPs keep voting for the same party when it has, amongst other things, fundamentally reversed its basic economic beliefs? At best, and I suspect, they are people who want to be thought of as decent but who lack the courage to stand up to the party machine. And courage is an essential quality in a politician.

The political polls indicate that most people are very disillusioned with all the political parties, but there is no practicable way of getting a new democratic party, with reasonable chances of election, going. In these circumstances I see nothing wrong with voting for the least worst candidate and then compaining all you can.

Answer 2

I used to feel that way - if you don't play your part you can't cry about the results, BUT, that leaves me with a dilemma. I do not see any politicians that deserve my vote. As far as sleaze goes, it's just more widely reported than it ever was in years gone by. What really gets me is that when labour were in opposition they constantly pulled tory MPs up for 'innappropriate behaviour' but then make all the same mistakes themselves. Iraq is a huge issue and I don't doubt the conservatives would have led us to war just as labour did. What choice do I have but to withhold my vote in protest. I'm not happy about it, but I don't see any better way. I have voted tactically in the past but the 'lesser evil' has to be a lot less evil than the current choices. Unless I see a big change soon, I won't vote but I will certainly try to make my voice heard. It's my right.

Answer 3

NO it is not true!

You have the right to vote YES!
You have the right to vote NO!
You also have the right to Abstain!

If you did not vote that does not affect your personal and basic Human Rights. You don't even need to be on the Electoral Register.
If it is about the constituency that you live in - complain away!
Half of the sleazy p's (sorry, slip of the keyboard that should have been MP's) probably dont live there anyway!
ANY service that you have from police to refuse collection can be complained about.
If you have a complaint about the state of the roads or pavements or parks or any damn thing -- go ahead and complain!

Most people dont complain.
My advice.
Bug 'em about anything they do wrong.
Keep bugging 'em till they fix it.
If they dont fix it, contact the media.
At ALL times though, remember to remain polite!


POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

Answer 4

It is important to vote any party of your choice and you also have the right to complain but we should remember these people are only human that are prone to making mistakes just like we all do.I see so many people crucifying the government for little mistake while their families and relationships is crumbling.What i am trying to say is - the people in hem of affairs should not be written off hurryingly because if it is that easy to govern we will not be suffering from broken homes today,this criticism is tearing britain apart.

Answer 5

I believe so yes!! We vote knowing what a particular party stands for, therefore one should not complain when that party provides legislation that backs up their policies!!! There's an old saying..............You put up?.............then shut up!!! Another saying is..................we get the Government we deserve,that's why we still have "New Labour"! They were voted in for a third term,have ruined the country,and many who voted them in a third time are now moaning like anything!!! They are the ones who got the Government they deserve!!!!!

Answer 6

Some people say they vote for the lesser of two evils. Why do that? I vote 3rd party..whatever it is. THAT I think makes a statement. I just wish more people would do it. But I also think it really doesn't matter....just like the 2004 election...I think it was rigged from the beginning.

Answer 7

Not all politicians are sleazy. MOST (from all parties) are decent people trying to do their best, Sadly their reputation is destroyed by a minority who are rotten and selfish.

To answer your question: I think it is the opposite. If you vote - you have every right to complain because you are an active citizen and participate in the process.

if you can't be bothered voting and leave it to others - then you do not have any right to complain as you have opted out of the sytem and should therefore keep quiet.

Answer 8

You can complain, it's your God-given legal birthright to complain about politics. But, it pays to vote, because it seems that people are all too willing to vote for a person you hate. Decisions are made by the people who turn up.

Answer 9

Cheat me once, and it's your fault, cheat me twice, and it's mine.

Voting for a sleazy MP the first time can be forgiven, but voting for him/her a second time certainly removes the 'right' to complain about him/her amongst friends; you chose him/her with your eyes wide open, didn't you?

However, you can and should probably pay your MP and visit and air your grievances, although he/she might laugh (whether in your face or behind your back).

Answer 10

Don't buy into that scam. It's a non too clever dodge. Silence is a statement. Like a break in Beethovens' Fifth. Actually enhances the composition.