Last night's public meeting gave me a great boost and a few things to ponder.
There is a real commitment in attending a public meeting where no personal interests are at stake. If an unwanted development is planned that will affect property values, hordes will turn out. But on little else. A million people rightly protested about the Iraq War. History will prove that they were right. Public opinion is overwhelmingly opposed to continuing the war in Afghanistan, but demonstrations have not attracted protestors in large numbers.
The audience's contributions to last night's debate were all interesting, constructive and practical. What should I do now? Certainly continue campaigning in the Commons. Perhaps do what is prohibited in the Commons and read the names of the fallen in central Newport. Resign my seat and stand in a by-election to prove the strength of public opinion? The problem with the last one is the cost and work imposed on the public purse. Voters do not appreciate self-indulgent vanity gestures-especially when they cost £200,000. It would be a temptation if no-one stood against me. Would any party put up candidates to continue sending troops to a war that has lost its purpose?
What else can be done to end the futility?
'What else can be done to end the futility?'
As long as you are committed to ending British involvement in the war you will be doing the right things. There is no hurry in terms of thinking 'there must be something I should be doing'. You've done a lot of campaigning and I hope to see you carry on in this steady course. I think you have to believe that it will all be worthwhile in the end.
Posted by: Ad | October 22, 2012 at 01:33 AM