These days I do try to stay away from the subject of politics, because I find it stressful, which then impacts on my physical health. Whether that's because it increases pain through tensed muscles, or simply decreases my ability to cope with existing physical pain, I can't quite decide.
However with the election imminent I want to say something: Please look at manifestos, look at policies, then get up on 7th May and go and vote for the party whose policies most closely resemble your own morals and beliefs.
There is no such thing as a wasted vote, so don't be afraid of voting for smaller parties. Think of like this: when laws are voted on in Parliament, when important decision are made that affect us all both as individuals and a nation as a whole, a vote has to take place in Parliament. That MP that YOU voted for may be the one vote that tips the balance, that forces amendments to a law that may cause harm to vulnerable people either at home or abroad. Your vote could be the one vote that gives that MP the majority in the election and gives them right to stand in Parliament and represent you. There is no such thing as a wasted vote; please do not believe people - or politicians(!) - when they tell you that, because it is a deliberate lie intended to persuade you to vote how someone else wants you to. You are better then that, more intelligent - too intelligent - to believe a lie like that.
So; you and I may be on opposing sides of an argument about politics, we may have completely different morals, beliefs and opinions, but you are still a friend of mine and I honestly do believe that by us all voting on policies rather than people, rather than "My parents always voted that way" or "I'm X class, so I vote for Y party", we will be a better nation for it. We hold the power; we control who stands for us. Use your power and vote for policies, not people.
