If you are a blogger you’ll be all too familiar with the feeling that one occasionally gets when sitting down to compose a blog post about one issue when by some strange coincidence something relative and yet unpredicted occurs that throws you off kilter.
So here I sit, on my seemingly ever-expanding arse and though I should be writing one thing I am wholly preoccupied with guilt having just written this list:
A rare opportunity for a quiet drink at a country pub arose tonight so Papasaurus whisked me off to partake in a beer shandy or two. En route in the car we nattered about how the day had treated us so far and because I was party to the conversation, talk moved on to blogging- and more specifically what blogging I was planning on doing this evening. I briefly explained how I was planning on writing a post about how it’s the local Police and Crime Commissioner Elections mid November, that having met and chinwagged with the rather spiffing Damien a couple of days ago, that I’d like to help raise awareness of which Police Commissioners are ‘wildlife friendly’. This was met with what I can only describe a a stifled snigger.
I appreciate that there are occasions where I can write some utter nonsense just because it tickles me fancy but I like to think that if the need arises that I can dust off my ‘cannons of awesome’ and write something of actual meaning and substance that someone, somewhere might read and wander off on their internet travels with that nugget of info tucked into their memory void.
There followed, over a cheeky pint or two a mini-debate over Police and Crime Commisisoners. I know, I know, it’s a far cry from my low-brow X-Factor critique tweets. Essentially the debate fell in to 2 camps – his and mine.
He said: “No one will bother to vote for them. There was such a low turn out for the General Election most people will ask what’s the point?” and “At the end of the day it’s just foxes and badgers and generally people don’t give a toss”
I said: “I ‘get’ that there’s serious economic shit going down at the moment but maybe even those who don’t give a toss themselves should look at the bigger picture and act to make Society in general be led by better people with sound ethics.” and “maybe because less people are aware of who is a wildlife friendly when it comes to Police Comissioners it’s even more important to try and do a bit to spread the message?” ending on “Fox Hunting is illegal and it still happens.”
There was tutting, Papasaurus seemed genuinely surprised that I cared, I was surprised that he didn’t. Then as if by divine justice after leaving the pub a bloody great bat swooped down at him and fox walked right up to us and appeared to stare at Papasaurus without even blinking (do they blink?! Surely!)
I simply walked on and muttered that I have set the wildlife on to him. He looked properly freaked out for a moment and it’s left me feeling like I’ve rocked a Doctor DooLitttle type of vibe tonight and I am digging it. BIG TIME.
Without meaning to get all heavy, I’m wondering generally what people think about these upcoming elections – do you know about them? I didn’t until I was told by someone else… Do you think there’s public support for wildlife issues anymore or is austerity so prominent that people simply have bigger personal issues to deal with?
I’d like to think you know I’m not a judgmental demon by now so feel free to comment openly, it’s not something I’ve really thought about in any depth until now…
Relevant posts from other bloggers:
Ramblings of a Rock n Roll Mum – PC Foxed
Plus 2 point 4 – I’m getting all Lush and Foxy!!!
The Good Life Bloggers – FoxyForce
I'm Annie and I live in the depths of the New Forest. Mother to many, wife to one, blogger, creative type, lover of real books and a bit of a lush.
I do know about these elections, mainly because our school is closed to be used a polling station. But I’m not aware of anything further and like many, suffer from a severe case of apathy towards all things election focused following our crappy government’s handling of the current economic situation!
I am vaguely aware of them but I have no clue who is is standing and the city Mayor elections (not sure when they are happening) seem to be getting more publicity but again, other than knowing there are a whopping FIFTEEN candidates standing (only one woman…) I don’t know anything else.
I haven’t received my polling card for either or any literature to tell me about various candidates policies. The only thing I do know is with the Police Commissioner I don’t want some affiliated to a political party with party loyalties.
I would love to vote, but can’t because of the whole moving house thing. The council have changed the date at which they update the electoral registers and when I called them and said we wouldn’t be at that address, could I change it I was told ‘not until i had moved and had proof of address’ I duly moved house and waited until I had correct address proof and called the office ‘what should I do now’ too late – register is done and I will be added at the next update in the new year!!
And before anyone asks, I am questioning it and making a fuss!
I am great believer in voting. It may only a minor issue to some, but hundreds of people gave their life’s and freedom so we, the ordinary pleb, could vote! It is insulting to their memory if we don’t! People who don’t vote shouldn’t complain about the state of government – you had your chance and blew it!
With regard to the wildlife thing (sorry off my soap box now!!) It is important, and we should be worried. If we just focus of the big issues and forget the ‘little stuff’ we’re going to turn round one day and it will all be gone! We life in a beautiful country, and without the wildlife and countryside they life in it wouldn’t be nearly so nice!
Sorry ranted ‘off topic’ a bit – I’ll go away now!
I knew about upcoming elections but don’t know anyone involved, haven’t the time to investigate and, unlike me, don’t really care. The older I get, the more crooked they all seem.
I am actually quite interested in politics and know I should pay more attention and could even help to make a difference, but it’s all too much with two little ones, two students, nightmare relationships, so I guess, in answer to your question, that atm for some of us there are simly bigger personal issues to deal with.
However, I am moved enough by your post to up my game and take them more seriously. Thank you. Important piece. PS Wildlife will be more on your mind living in the New Forest than most of us – but again, fundamentally important and you’re right to take a stand Ms. Doolittle!
we received our polling cards yesterday and I have seen various adverts about these elections in the press. So I know they are going on but I have no clue who my commissioner is. Or who the candidates are. Or indeed what they stand for. Or don’t.
The whole thing seems like a political exercise really. “give the people a vote” but we don’t know what we are voting for, so don’t. “well we gave you the vote and that is the important thing”.
I love you. That is all.
I was going to ask on Facebook what it’s all about about as I want to vote and don’t want to waste it.I must do some research before next week.love the wild lfe intervention.
Thanks for the spiffing comment Annie. Turnout for the election is expected to be around 18% and there are rumours it could be as low as 12%. This elections have definitely kept under the radar but they are important as these commissioners will be responsible for allocating policing budgets in there areas. So this is really important.
A statement all the candidates is meant to be available here tomorrow http://www.apccs.police.uk/page/pcc-candidates Although I have the feeling they may all be saying pretty much the same thing.
For those of you who are interested, I am working with Lush to raise awareness about need to effectively police wildlife crimes at this website https://wildlifecrime.lush.co.uk , You can search your candidates and we have asked them there views on wildlife crimes although we haven’t had many responses yet. To help raise awareness about wildlife crime we will be putting together a ‘social media hunt pack’ to spread the word about the election and any good candidates.
Email me at damienclarkson84@gmail.com if you want to take part in raising awareness and the fun competitions etc to support the campaign.
Damien
I had heard that they were going bring in voting for commissioners and we got our polling card through the post but like others I have no idea who I will be voting for, what they stand for etc. While I do think it’s incredibly important to get out and vote in general I’m not sure if I’m gaining anything by being able to vote for this!
I still find wildlife issues important but I suppose to some people it is a small thing amid everything else but it would ‘take notice’ if a candidate had an interest in wildlife.
OK, I have the postal vote, know the election is going on, but have no idea who the candidates are, what their beliefs are, and whether I should believe them anyway. Don’t have the time to research it (struggle to find the time to blog, and to be honest I’d much rather be doing that if I had any free time…) but if anyone wants to suggest who I should vote for, I’m happy to listen…. It’s all very impersonal which is why there will be a low turnout – even some door dropped leaflets *may* have helped….. sorry, I know it’s apathetic and pathetic, it just is.
You know I got the election cards through and that was the first I had heard of it! No idea who is standing, or on what basis we are supposed to choose who we want, your post and a lovely email from Lush have inspired me to find out!
I knew about the vote, but only because we received our polling cards and I’ve had a dig around the Internet to find out what’s going on. I will vote, but only because I follow the belief that we should be grateful we live in a Country that we can vote however we want on things and also because I think if you don’t vote, you can’t really complain about the outcome!
I don’t know much more than who the candidates are where we live; I haven’t received anything through my door (or in the local newspaper really) about these people and what the position would entail. It’s all a bit vague really!
I am aware of this too, firstly because a friend is helping an independent local canditate with his social media campaign. He did actually post up yesterday about how he will have a dedicated PO for wildlife crimes which I thought was really good. I do care about the economy etc and I also care about wildlife crimes too and I will be taking the time to vote! Love the fox and bat part of the story