Aid
Having read the Comments on my unsympathetic you-should-have-got-your-act-together-and-voted-suckers blog, I feel like partly backtracking. I still maintain that if you get to a polling station and are put off by a queue, you’ve only got yourself to blame if you don’t join that queue. I also maintain that most of the thwarted voters the BBC showed were really annoying and self-righteous and failed to convince me that they couldn’t have got their acts together a bit quicker (people who genuinely did have to commute/work all day long are in a separate, blameless category, as I think I did say in the original blog).
However, after reading what some of you thought, I am forced to concede:
-It’s pretty disgraceful that people actually got INTO a polling station and were still timed out of the voting process;
-It’s incredible that they’re claiming the turnout was ‘higher than expected’, since for weeks it’s been clear this is going to be the most important election in many years, plus it’s been on telly a lot, and people like telly;
-…and, as Rick pointed out, it could (should) have been a hell of a lot higher still, so they surely should have been ready for queues;
-And yes, although the old consulting-a-list-and-giving-you-a-slip-of-paper routine is charmingly traditional, it is also a bit stupid to continue with it in a world where computers are rather easy to get hold of and generally reckoned to be pretty good at organising things;
-And also yes, it’s pretty much bonkers that we vote on a workday, again purely because of tradition (as far as I know), rather than on a Sunday when more people could, y’know, get there;
-AND (although this is a slightly separate point) it’s rather astonishing that even this very high turnout is STILL ONLY about three-fifths of the people who are allowed to vote, and in some parts of the country more like half (I haven’t seen the official national figure yet). So even after all this faffing about, all the queuing, all the anger, we’ve elected a government based on the opinions of those who could be bothered to join in, rather than everyone. You may say those are the only opinions that count, and maybe that’s true, but it’s still rather perplexing that we get excited about a 60 or 70 percent turnout when people died for the vote blah blah. I’m sure someone is making this very point better in the Guardian as we speak.
-Oh and, lastly, I agree with Sam and Josh that there is no excuse for segregating student voters from ‘actual’ voters. Students are people too. People with an excessive fondness for talking about children’s TV shows of the past, maybe. But people with the same democratic rights as us all. Shame on any returning officers who enforced this lunacy.
Now, change of subject.
Next week I am going to Senegal to visit sites where Action Aid are working with underprivileged kids. I’m heading a campaign in Bristol and the West of England (where I come from) to get people to sponsor children’s education. (A very few of you, who live in that region, might have seen me on local news larking about at my old junior school to launch the fundraising efforts.) So… yes. I’m going to West Africa in a FEW DAYS. This is a quite bizarre thought for all sorts of reasons, not least that I have a ten-week-old baby of my own at home. And I don’t want to be one of these people who swan around in the developing world and come back saying ‘hey, guys, there’s poverty out there! Did you realise? Let’s get involved!’ – like some pop stars we could all mention. But I’m hoping I can avoid that trap because, for one thing, I am not rich myself (and I do already sponsor two people; a bit more on that next week). And this is not a hugely glamorous trip, it’s not the sort of situation where a TV person goes on a ‘mercy mission’ and then combines it with a two-week safari. And anyway, I’ll be back in four days and will put my heart and soul into getting people on board with this.
But that is still four days (Friday 14th to Monday 17th) when I will probably not be able to blog.
Now I probably could pre-write four blogs and entrust them to someone to put up for me – I think I can even use this blog software to line up blogs and automatically post them in my absence – but the thing is, I actually can’t do that, because as you’ll be aware if you often read this, at the moment I’ve barely got time to go to the toilet let alone write four blogs. And I have a mountain of work to get through before Friday as it is. So it is time, finally, to appoint the much-talked-about EMERGENCY BLOGGER.
When I first proposed this, there were a great many applications for the post. I think the only fair way is to pick a team of four, and ask them to do a blog each over these days. Even then, there is a fair possibility of disappointing lots of people. All I can say is that this will definitely come up again – in some ways it’s a slight relief to set a precedent of someone else doing the blog, after about 70 unbroken days of desperately trying to write things in the back of taxis and while eating and so on – and next time, new people will get a go.
But for now I thought I’d go for four bloggers from four different countries. This way we can use my absence to broaden the focus of the blog and maybe introduce some new interesting talking points. And celebrate the internationalism of our community, as a politican would say. In other words I really like it that a few peeople in other countries read my blog.
Even THEN there are more applicants than places, but I’m going for:
John (UK; the one who hassles me at gigs sometimes)
Megan (Canada)
Madeleine (Australia)
Elizabeth (USA)
…however, it could well be that not all these people are still reading, as it was some time ago I advertised this position, and let’s face it, not everyone has got time to listen to what I say every day. So. If you are one of these four people, or think you are, please reply to this post confirming your availability. I will then allot a day to everyone, and make the necessary arrangements by email.
And I will probably set some sort of very loose theme for all four posts, not to put pressure on anyone, but just to maintain a tiny bit of coherence in the overall blog, not that it has ever really had much of that.
As with all the competitions/tasks etc on this blog, I’ve chosen people in a not entirely scientific way, so apologies if it’s not you and double/triple apologies if you feel like you never win any of these things. I genuinely don’t have it in for you. Unless you are Phil, the arrogant prick at my mum’s work who has ruined the working atmosphere completely. And even then I’ve changed his name in case I get her into trouble.
Thank you for participating and I hope you will continue to read, supporting my ‘temps’, while I’m living it up in First Class on the plane.
(Pause.)
That was a joke. I know you know that. But it only takes one person.
Posted by Knox on May 17, 2011
“That was a joke. I know you know that. But it only takes one person.”
Too too true…
I realise I’ve no idea how your Senegal trip went, and the follow-up – looking forward to finding out, belatedly.
Off to bed now – enough catching up for tonight. g’night. xxx
Posted by Ally on May 9, 2010
I’ve noticed a few other Aussie’s expressing their confusion at the election. I don’t understand it either. But then again I barely understand the system we have in Australia so that’s not saying much.
Good luck on the trip to Senegal and I hope you’re able to encourage lots of people to sponsor!
Posted by Linzy on May 9, 2010
With regards to voter turnout, only 51% voted in my constituency, which, granted is up from last time’s 46%, however it does mean that we’re stuck with a god-awful MP who does nothing for the area, lives in France most of the time, doesn’t hold surgeries, doesn’t listen to his constituents and only turns up to half of readings in the House of Commons. I won’t even mention his appalling beliefs.
I guess, my point is, if out voter turnout was a bit higher then there’s a slight chance he could have been unseated. Yes, it would require an extra 23.5% of the voters coming out and all voting Lib Dem, but stranger things have happened.
Sorry about the small rant. I think it might be beneficial for me to write a blog on the issue and get it all off my chest…
Oh, and have fun in Senegal. Or at least as much fun as you can have in that kind of situation.
Posted by Madeleine on May 9, 2010
Oh! Good luck in Africa too! What a wonderful thing to do.
Posted by Madeleine on May 9, 2010
Oh gosh, thanks so much Mark! I am simultaneously delighted and terrifed, which is the sign of a good challenge I think. That you’re giving us a theme is brilliant, as I for one am prone to extensive rambling (obviously I accept, though I fully expect attempts on my life from other budding Australian faux-Marks. Should break the monotony!)
On the subject of politics, I have been kind of following the UK election, and it did seem you guys were kind of stuck between a rock, a hard place and a man whose name was Clegg. People not being able to vote though, that’s pretty terrible, and I think people have a right to be angry about it, if it was America it would be a Michael Moore doco by now. This is one area where I think Australia may have gotten it right, making everyone vote: there’s booths set up EVERYWHERE, and it makes people take more of an interest in the future of their countries. I’ve never voted (due to my tender years) but I am determined to be informed when I have to in a few years.
Thanks again Mark, I’m going to go do some joyous panicking for a while.
Posted by Kate W on May 9, 2010
I suspect this election’s demonstrated that we need both a more representative voting system and some more modern methods of voting. Completely agree that we shouldn’t be unprepared for/getting excited about a 60-70% turnout – has anyone come up with a good reason that voting shouldn’t be mandatory? I’m sure some people would still spoil their ballots, but getting everyone into the voting booth would be a good start.
Senegal sounds fantastic. I’m sure it won’t make your workload any smaller, but it will be an amazing experience. I feel like there should be an Emergency Blogger alarm – or maybe a Batsignal, to summon them….
(Lovely show tonight; hope you enjoyed it. I now have a very clear mental image of you bursting into a room in pyjamas, shouting “Nagasaki!”.)
Posted by Natalie-Helen on May 9, 2010
Totally agree with your point about computers and the traditional elements of voting. If I had been a less honest person I could have voted twice.
I’m a student so organised a PV for my home constituency but seem to be automatically registered at uni. So despite already voting had another polling card. I actually went to check at the station and even they didn’t really know what to do.
Ooo guest speakers how exciting! Are you sure you want to leave the blog? We may start a coup and you’ll come back to find a power-sharing arrangment between the four chosen.
Posted by Anji on May 8, 2010
How exciting! Good luck all round – Mark your trip sounds amazing, I was excited about a few days in Wales and maybe getting to spray the garden fencing with the power sprayer that was purchased today!
I’m sure it’ll be a life altering trip, seeing things from a different view and seeing what we have does that. I look forward to reading about upon your safe return!
Posted by SirChrisOfBumpstead on May 8, 2010
West of England?
Are you planning a trip down the road over here to Bath? It’s full of rich people so getting a few sponsorships shouldn’t be too hard. I can get some posters up or something if you need some publicity (not seen any coverage whatsoever so far of this, new news to me so not really sure what sort of campaign it is). What with me being a student and the only motivation for revision being found in last weeks blog I’d be more than happy to get a break for a while and do it. I’ll assume that no comment on this in following blogs is a polite no thanks
Good luck on the trip, and best of luck to the blog squad too.
Hope Eyjafjallajokull is behaving itself that week.
Chris
Posted by Rachael on May 8, 2010
Good Luck, I went to Ghana a couple of years ago to work with some orphans, if you get stuck what to do with them get them singing heads shoulders knees and toes, they love it. assuming all african children are the same of course.
Posted by Rosanna on May 8, 2010
Good luck Mark!
Will continue to read in your absence.
Also just bought tickets for your Ashford gig
Posted by Sarah on May 8, 2010
Good Luck! I don’t know much about Senegal so I’m going to avoid giving general African warnings.
Safe Travels!
-Sarah
Posted by Emmy on May 8, 2010
Good luck with your trip! Don’t get malaria.
Actually, I don’t even know if Senegal is in the malaria zone. But if it is, don’t get it. It’s nasty. My Dad had it three times over 25 years ago and he still ocasionally gets flare ups.
Erm… sorry. You’ll be fine!
Congrats to the temp bloggers. I know you’ll be amazing.
Posted by Ben Draper on May 8, 2010
Mark, I just watched the episode of Never Mind The Buzzcocks you hosted. i am so jealous of you saying “It’s suddenly chico time”. I’d love to give that a go one day. Off to watch the episode with you and Jamelia, one of my favorites.
Also, if a space becomes available, I’d love to write your blog. It’d give me something to do in between revision. Enjoy Africa and do good work!
Posted by Misha on May 8, 2010
You’ve been/will be busy. Makes me feel bad that all I’ve done today is go to the bank. And buy wine.
Sad but true.
I shall look forward to the emergency bloggers contributions with interest.
Posted by LisaD on May 8, 2010
Well A) I’m completely impressed about this upcoming trip and can’t wait for the blog on that. B) Hoodi-hoo! (Yeah, don’t think I can use that expression without irony) Emergency bogger! C) suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility and a concern that I’m not up for the task…but D) absolutely available and eager to serve. Thanks for picking me.
Posted by DizzyDoo on May 8, 2010
Gosh, I would have loved to apply for an emergency blogger position, it would totally help towards my tysic goals too. Good luck in Africa Mark!
Posted by Helen on May 8, 2010
I wish you a very lovely time on your trip, all the best of luck with it. Well done to the Emergency Bloggers, I look forward to reading.
I have little else to say but I haven’t commented in a while so I felt that I would. And I have. I feel successful.
Posted by Heather on May 8, 2010
Good luck on your trip Mark; I’m looking forward to hearing more about this project.
And I’m glad my reading your blog while also being from / in another country makes you happy! It may also boost your ego to know that I scheduled my trip to Edinburgh a week earlier than originally planned so that I can get to your book launch. Which will give me about 8 days to recover from the jetlag of coming home from Korea, before I set off for the UK. I’m sure I’ll be fine though, and it’s definitely worth it!
Posted by Maddy on May 8, 2010
Love the blog, brilliant as always. I am unfortunately only just too young to vote, however I was surprised at why, when seeing a queue, British people did not want to join it. I did vote in my school’s mock election where the Lib Dems won followed shortly behind by the Monster Raving Loony Party whose main policy was to force teachers to dress as pink rabbits to make them seem less intimidating (this apparently is a real policy?!). I now realise why the voting age is >18.
Good luck to the temps btw.
Posted by Carl on May 8, 2010
Good luck Mark! And good luck to the Watsonian-Four x
Posted by Kate B on May 8, 2010
Hope you have a great time! It sounds like a brilliant opportunity and it’s good to hear that you are making a difference at the same time. I’m looking forward to hearing from our new bloggers.
Posted by lisa brunders on May 8, 2010
I’m surprised it’s been 70 days so far, it’s flown by, although, at the same time it’s very much a part of my daily routine.
Hope you get on well in Senegal. I bet the emergency bloggers will be very excited, and although we’ll miss you, it’ll be interesting for us readers too.
Posted by Dan on May 8, 2010
Wow, that will be an incredible experience, in a way I am jealous but I’m not sure what a visit like that would do to me as a person. I guess it’s not one you can really enjoy but you will always remember it.
And seeing as though I read this blog everyday and have been writing a blog of my own for several years now I would be happy to fill the post of emergency blogger if necessary. But I’m from the UK so I may not be considered exotic enough. I’m sure I’ll live.
Posted by Steph on May 8, 2010
Hope you have a great time in Senegal Mark. Bon Voyage.
So with this hung parliament it looks like I will get to vote in the near future, having been born 18 years ago this June. Yay!
Looking forward to the emergency bloggers’ offerings, good luck guys.
Posted by Georgia on May 8, 2010
Pps I’m so jealous of your trip, I can’t wait to be a qualified teacher and be able to travel and volunteer overseas… congratulations, well done, good luck and enjoy it!
Posted by Georgia on May 8, 2010
I deeply apologise for my lack of interest in this post and immediately preceding blogs, as I live in Australia and have absolutely no idea about the political state you find yourself in.
I know this is very closed-minded of me, however I think if Madeleine cannot fulfil her position as emergency blogger, I would love to do it, and fill the blog with some non-political speak (not to say I dont like your political speak, I just dont feel super enlightened by it today, after working and uniing for a gazillion days straight, tomorrow is finally a day off for me to spend with my mother)
Apologies for the extended brackets, I seem to have had a few trains of thought there.
It seems this post has seen me type more words than the assignment I have been attempting to start for 3hours, so thankyou Mark, for yet another distraction.
hilarious as always
Ps I hope I’m still the first to post a comment, so in your next blog you should mention a deli experience ( I work in a deli and I find it a hilarious profession )