Big march dilemma

SummerJ you will see by my name that I do believe activism makes a difference; at the very least it has made a difference to me. Some years ago I was challenged about my (very strong) views regarding various life inequalities by someone who asked me if I actually do anything about the things that concerned me and it was a much needed wake up call. I have always been proactive in making personal life choices that make a difference (fostering, housing homeless people etc.), but I began writing letters, making phone calls, signing petitions - and yes - going on marches.

Do the politicians listen?
Occasionally.
Are changes made because I challenge decisions?
Yes, sometimes they are.
Do I get frustrated? Constantly
Is it worth the time, effort, travel and money?
Always - because I need to maintain my own integrity in standing up for the things I believe in.

Sadly, I am not well enough to join in this weekend's march and The Wonderful Man will be going without me, but I shall be cheering him on and will pay for an extra ticket so someone who can't afford the fare can go in my place. He's marching with the Devon crowd so give him a wave if you see him SummerJ.

Thank you gransnetters - with your encouragement you have really helped. I think the comment that Ilovecheese made with reference to 'grandchildren' hit the mark as did comments about our rights to peaceful demonstration. I feel that so many people might not in a position to go and sometimes you should go the extra mile - in our case a couple of hundred - to voice your concerns. Hopefully it will attract over a million people and we will make every effort to join them!

If as you say you believe very strongly then go for it. I have marched against HSL and being with so many others who feel similarly is quite powerful. Also protested at Greenham ( just the once as it was a long way to go) which my AC are quite proud of, as am I. Make your voice heard. It’s called democracy.

I’m going - see you there.

Go for it, Summerj.

I suppose some of us look back to the marches against going to war with Iraq and remember that even those enormous numbers of people marching made no difference because the Govt and the main opposition party were determined to go ahead.

I feel that this situation is slightly different because the Govt is not in a strong position having lost so many of their own M.P.s and it would appear that a large number of Members of Parliament of their own and other parties would agree with the aims of the march. Possible leading to the march having some influence.

Another thing is that if you feel strongly about this, would you always regret not making your feelings clear, so that if you did not join the march, would there always be a niggle in the back of your mind that you should have joined the march, never mind the expense?

If your grandchildren or great grandchildren ask you about this in the future, what answer would you rather give them, that you did go, or that you didn't?

Definitely exercise your democratic right to peaceful demonstration.

You will find the people friendly, witty and peaceful.

You will be glad you took part in something to show how many want a confirmatory vote.

In fact I think this country would go to the dogs if everyone meekly accepted everything those in authority decided upon.

It's got to be a good thing when people en masse show their political feelings. Anyone who feels strongly enough, and can manage it, should go for it.

*never - ha!

No point. It makes a difference. I wait for the ballot box.

I don't do marches for anything. They only encourage trouble.