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Do you vote
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By *iscuits8Man 23 weeks ago
Meath / Dublin / Birmingham |
Yep. I'm tipping down the polling station in a few minutes.
I find it mental the amount of people I know who spend their time bitching and moaning about politival psrties, local reps etc... and don't actually vote.
I'd say there's about one third of the list of nominees I'd actually not mind seeing voted in. However there are a couple of particular nasty runners this year and it's the first time I've considered voting almost all the way down. |
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I always make a point of voting. There are many people in the world who don’t have a vote, aren’t allowed to vote or are told how to vote. We are lucky that we live in a free nation where we are allowed to vote freely. You shape society by voting. I also think we should have a system here whereby you are fined €650 if you don’t use your vote. Bar hospital appointments or holidays but you’d have to prove you couldn’t vote. I think this would be a very different country if we had 90% turnout rather than 50-60% that we normally do. |
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Yes I vote. Always will.
At a local, national and European level.
I'd like to think at the very least I had the opportunity to have my say on who represents my view point or what I feel is best for my community (not the fab one) or country. Like everyone, I feel It's very difficult to choose, when I don't have confidence in the majority of public representatives that are going for these positions. |
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"I always make a point of voting. There are many people in the world who don’t have a vote, aren’t allowed to vote or are told how to vote. We are lucky that we live in a free nation where we are allowed to vote freely. You shape society by voting. I also think we should have a system here whereby you are fined €650 if you don’t use your vote. Bar hospital appointments or holidays but you’d have to prove you couldn’t vote. I think this would be a very different country if we had 90% turnout rather than 50-60% that we normally do. "
Having met some interesting people, a couple of whom followed me around with their cameras while shouting abuse, and then realised that they're not even registered, I think it's better that those people don't vote. |
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Yes, always.
Especially here, where politics have historically been so divisionary, it can seem a fruitless exercise. But real change can take generations and I believe I've a duty to contribute towards that shift. I've no business complaining if I'm not doing anything to bring about change.
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I think the local elections affect people more directly
Because if you are lucky enough to have a Councillor elected that's from your own local area there is a better chance of getting funding for local community projects and getting roads repairs done quicker. That's the way it works down our way anyway. The European election is only cushy jobs for semi retired politicians. |
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I don’t vote and I never have
I think politics is a career these days as opposed to a public service and the lack of authenticity around candidates put me off it even more
I believe in the theory of elitism where an elite run society and democracy just allows you a choice between the elites |
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By *og-Man OP Man 23 weeks ago
somewhere |
"I think the local elections affect people more directly
Because if you are lucky enough to have a Councillor elected that's from your own local area there is a better chance of getting funding for local community projects and getting roads repairs done quicker. That's the way it works down our way anyway. The European election is only cushy jobs for semi retired politicians. "
I'm very lucky to be personal friends with some councillors and TD's
Its amazing the difference it can make to local funding for stuff to get done in the community |
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I do vote but only out of habit.
I don't live in the arse end of nowhere. I live in a built up residential area but I couldn't honestly say the last time any candidate standing for any party either as an MLA or MP set foot on my street asking for my vote.
I haven't voted along party lines for 20 years and will only vote for a candidate who I know has been proactive.
I walk into a polling station with no idea who I'm voting for and if none of the names jump out at me on the ballot paper I'll give it to an independent regardless of how pointless that may be.
I don't follow anything to do with the election and have no idea who gets in until I see the name above the door in their local offices.
When it comes to council elections it's pretty much the same except I'm more aware of how active some of those have been and if I think any of them have failed miserably in previous councils which around here at the minute is most of them, I'll vote for someone new. |
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"I think the local elections affect people more directly
Because if you are lucky enough to have a Councillor elected that's from your own local area there is a better chance of getting funding for local community projects and getting roads repairs done quicker. That's the way it works down our way anyway. The European election is only cushy jobs for semi retired politicians.
I'm very lucky to be personal friends with some councillors and TD's
Its amazing the difference it can make to local funding for stuff to get done in the community "
Always good to know someone that has the pull.   |
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By *aseylee324Couple 23 weeks ago
Valley of Squinting Windows |
Normally yes, didn't vote in the recent referenda as I was busy and it slipped my mind, was confident the amendments would be defeated anyway.
I will vote today, even though I will probably be shaking my head at the choices available. It's my right and civic duty and all that, something that many in the world are denied |
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By *aseylee324Couple 23 weeks ago
Valley of Squinting Windows |
"Always, always, always vote.
You don’t get to give out about government/policies/climate/etc etc if you don’t bother your arse to try do something about it. "
That too, I fully intend to use my rights to complain  |
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By *og-Man OP Man 23 weeks ago
somewhere |
"I think the local elections affect people more directly
Because if you are lucky enough to have a Councillor elected that's from your own local area there is a better chance of getting funding for local community projects and getting roads repairs done quicker. That's the way it works down our way anyway. The European election is only cushy jobs for semi retired politicians.
I'm very lucky to be personal friends with some councillors and TD's
Its amazing the difference it can make to local funding for stuff to get done in the community
Always good to know someone that has the pull. "
Only in my own area....its not as if I can help ye win Sam or anything like that |
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Yes, I always vote. Always have, and always will.
It should be mandatory in my opinion. If anyone doesn't vote their opinion on anything to do with the government/council/EU/referendum becomes null and void |
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By *panishRebelMan 23 weeks ago
Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland |
"No such thing as democracy...we vote on false promises, completely disagree with that whole we fought for our right to vote ,if you don't vote ,don't complain mantra."
While I sympathise with your sentiment, it seems like defeat. The vote still has power all be it limited and far from ideal. The less those frustrated with the way things are vote, the more the way things are continue unchallenged.
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"No such thing as democracy...we vote on false promises, completely disagree with that whole we fought for our right to vote ,if you don't vote ,don't complain mantra.
While I sympathise with your sentiment, it seems like defeat. The vote still has power all be it limited and far from ideal. The less those frustrated with the way things are vote, the more the way things are continue unchallenged.
"
But your vote doesn't challenge anything |
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By *panishRebelMan 23 weeks ago
Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland |
"No such thing as democracy...we vote on false promises, completely disagree with that whole we fought for our right to vote ,if you don't vote ,don't complain mantra.
While I sympathise with your sentiment, it seems like defeat. The vote still has power all be it limited and far from ideal. The less those frustrated with the way things are vote, the more the way things are continue unchallenged.
But your vote doesn't challenge anything "
But a collective of votes does change things.
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Yes most definitely
btw it really is beautiful and refreshing to note that so so many Faber's have a Great social conscience, I do hope that's reflective of wider society ,, if not we need to encourage more people to be Faber's |
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"Yes most definitely
btw it really is beautiful and refreshing to note that so so many Faber's have a Great social conscience, I do hope that's reflective of wider society ,, if not we need to encourage more people to be Faber's "
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Voter, sometimes feel ill-informed but since I know my general leanings I can make a reasonable 1,2,3 at least. And yes I believe voting makes a difference and we should never be apathetic about it |
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Every time I see an Aontú poster my fab imagination goes into over drive,.
The are a purist, Religious, family family values no sex before marriage type of Party ,,,, right,,, so when I look at the young single poster candidates The poster says to me vote for me because I am a pure virgin ,That is so hot as I don't meet many virgins these days and am highly unlikely to because of the company I keep God if they only Knew |
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By *og-Man OP Man 23 weeks ago
somewhere |
"Every time I see an Aontú poster my fab imagination goes into over drive,.
The are a purist, Religious, family family values no sex before marriage type of Party ,,,, right,,, so when I look at the young single poster candidates The poster says to me vote for me because I am a pure virgin ,That is so hot as I don't meet many virgins these days and am highly unlikely to because of the company I keep God if they only Knew "
I'm actually reading that in your accent and laughing my head off |
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By *panishRebelMan 23 weeks ago
Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland |
"Not asking who you vote for at all
But do you vote normally
Will you vote today
Do you think it makes a difference
"
I would like to point out the following. I live in Spain. I can't currently vote. Ireland has no option for voting by the diaspora. Other countries do. Can one imagine the difference if the diaspera could vote too!
Maybe this is why it's never been brought forward. I believe there should be a large debate around this. Obviously people can argue it both ways. However I am still invested in Ireland, I was born and bred in Ireland, I hope to return. I would love a vote. |
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By *og-Man OP Man 23 weeks ago
somewhere |
"Not asking who you vote for at all
But do you vote normally
Will you vote today
Do you think it makes a difference
I would like to point out the following. I live in Spain. I can't currently vote. Ireland has no option for voting by the diaspora. Other countries do. Can one imagine the difference if the diaspera could vote too!
Maybe this is why it's never been brought forward. I believe there should be a large debate around this. Obviously people can argue it both ways. However I am still invested in Ireland, I was born and bred in Ireland, I hope to return. I would love a vote."
I presume you vote in Spain
Personally think you shouldn't get any vote here if you dont live here or pay taxes here and not just a passport holder
Can you imagine how many Irish Americans could claim a vote and how much it would cost to run an overseas election |
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By *rRiosMan 23 weeks ago
dublin |
"Not asking who you vote for at all
But do you vote normally
Will you vote today
Do you think it makes a difference
I would like to point out the following. I live in Spain. I can't currently vote. Ireland has no option for voting by the diaspora. Other countries do. Can one imagine the difference if the diaspera could vote too!
Maybe this is why it's never been brought forward. I believe there should be a large debate around this. Obviously people can argue it both ways. However I am still invested in Ireland, I was born and bred in Ireland, I hope to return. I would love a vote."
This is interesting. Outside of the diaspora debate you say “I am still invested in Ireland”. This is a naive question, do you think the electorate voting against the party/policies you support are doing so to the detriment of Ireland?
Genuine question btw
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By *panishRebelMan 23 weeks ago
Alicante Spain, and Cork City Ireland |
Actually I am an Irish Tax payer...yes I can vote here in European elections. However the sphere of influence and interest I am interested is the Irish element of Europe. There is no option for me. I believe I there should an either or option. I personally would then register to vote in Ireland and not here. |
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"Its european wide voting these few days. No reason you should not be voting in that election other than you have not registered yourself to do so"
There's a good reason no one in Northern Ireland is voting in it and it's not by the choice of the majority. |
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I vote and did vote today.
Not sure of the difference it will make this time around in my LEA. But in my book you can't give out if you did not at least cast your vote.
To those that don't vote as ye don't think it matters I urge you to vote. The current dominant politicians are relying on you not to vote as it drops the bar for them and sets a lower quota of votes they have to achieve. So you make it easier for them to get elected by not voting. |
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Yes, I always vote, it’s the only chance we get to let the politicians know who they are supposed to be representing.
I think it’s crazy that people don’t vote when they have the chance to, there’s people all over the world fighting for the chance to vote so don’t waste yours. |
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I can’t see Europe as a political union but as an economic one so I think this voting is useless, in addition to that the two largest Spanish parties have different programs however they vote the same in the European Parlament. Rest are mainly irrelevants.
In terms of local elections I don’t have a real criteria to distinguish the parties in Ireland.
Summarising… I have skipped this one. |
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I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce |
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"Every time I see an Aontú poster my fab imagination goes into over drive,.
The are a purist, Religious, family family values no sex before marriage type of Party ,,,, right,,, so when I look at the young single poster candidates The poster says to me vote for me because I am a pure virgin ,That is so hot as I don't meet many virgins these days and am highly unlikely to because of the company I keep God if they only Knew
I'm actually reading that in your accent and laughing my head off "
Me toooo lol its hilarious |
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"I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce "
That's cynicism. And I get it, politics is shady at times, but if they think people don't care it gets even shadier. It's a job someone has to do and we decide that. Vote and hold them accountable... If they don't deliver let them know and vote different next time.
It takes guts to run considering the flak politicians are facing these days, but someone has to step up and make decisions at the end of the day. Don't let cynicism end your participation in choosing who does that. |
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"Actually I am an Irish Tax payer...yes I can vote here in European elections. However the sphere of influence and interest I am interested is the Irish element of Europe. There is no option for me. I believe I there should an either or option. I personally would then register to vote in Ireland and not here."
You wouldn't have to live with the consequences of your action though. You'll be off in Spain living in the sun while we're here living under whatever you chose for us. That doesn't make sense to me. |
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"I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce
That's cynicism. And I get it, politics is shady at times, but if they think people don't care it gets even shadier. It's a job someone has to do and we decide that. Vote and hold them accountable... If they don't deliver let them know and vote different next time.
It takes guts to run considering the flak politicians are facing these days, but someone has to step up and make decisions at the end of the day. Don't let cynicism end your participation in choosing who does that. "
I can't see anything cynical about the above comment. How often have any of our politicians who at best merely twist and cover up the truth to suit their agenda but at worst are involved in outright criminal activity deceiving and defrauding the taxpayer ever been held accountable?
Simply voting different the next time is hardly enough when it's common knowledge that politicians get away with criminal activity - worst case scenario for them is another cushy number in another position to take them out of the limelight.
The system is utterly corrupt and defunct.
This hard earned right to vote that people are talking about, means jack shit when politics is not about doing what's in the interest of the people for politicians.
We both voted in the knowledge that it won't make an ounce of difference in the grand scheme of things.
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"I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce
That's cynicism. And I get it, politics is shady at times, but if they think people don't care it gets even shadier. It's a job someone has to do and we decide that. Vote and hold them accountable... If they don't deliver let them know and vote different next time.
It takes guts to run considering the flak politicians are facing these days, but someone has to step up and make decisions at the end of the day. Don't let cynicism end your participation in choosing who does that.
I can't see anything cynical about the above comment. How often have any of our politicians who at best merely twist and cover up the truth to suit their agenda but at worst are involved in outright criminal activity deceiving and defrauding the taxpayer ever been held accountable?
Simply voting different the next time is hardly enough when it's common knowledge that politicians get away with criminal activity - worst case scenario for them is another cushy number in another position to take them out of the limelight.
The system is utterly corrupt and defunct.
This hard earned right to vote that people are talking about, means jack shit when politics is not about doing what's in the interest of the people for politicians.
We both voted in the knowledge that it won't make an ounce of difference in the grand scheme of things.
"
Cynicism: "an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest"
#Not all politicians
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"I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce
That's cynicism. And I get it, politics is shady at times, but if they think people don't care it gets even shadier. It's a job someone has to do and we decide that. Vote and hold them accountable... If they don't deliver let them know and vote different next time.
It takes guts to run considering the flak politicians are facing these days, but someone has to step up and make decisions at the end of the day. Don't let cynicism end your participation in choosing who does that.
I can't see anything cynical about the above comment. How often have any of our politicians who at best merely twist and cover up the truth to suit their agenda but at worst are involved in outright criminal activity deceiving and defrauding the taxpayer ever been held accountable?
Simply voting different the next time is hardly enough when it's common knowledge that politicians get away with criminal activity - worst case scenario for them is another cushy number in another position to take them out of the limelight.
The system is utterly corrupt and defunct.
This hard earned right to vote that people are talking about, means jack shit when politics is not about doing what's in the interest of the people for politicians.
We both voted in the knowledge that it won't make an ounce of difference in the grand scheme of things.
Cynicism: "an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest"
#Not all politicians
"
And the few are up against the corrupt system too. There's no winning. |
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By *og-Man OP Man 23 weeks ago
somewhere |
The best bit about elections for me personally is the counting of the votes,the tallys,the arguments about cheating
Already changing radio stations to listen and following political commentators on Twitter
Hopefully the right wing fuckwits lose their deposits but fair play to them standing to see how unpopular they really are |
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"The best bit about elections for me personally is the counting of the votes,the tallys,the arguments about cheating
Already changing radio stations to listen and following political commentators on Twitter
Hopefully the right wing fuckwits lose their deposits but fair play to them standing to see how unpopular they really are "
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"The best bit about elections for me personally is the counting of the votes,the tallys,the arguments about cheating
Already changing radio stations to listen and following political commentators on Twitter
Hopefully the right wing fuckwits lose their deposits but fair play to them standing to see how unpopular they really are "
The drama of the count is unreal!
My favourite is when someone who got complacent in their 'safe seat' gets a good wake up call from the electorate |
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So it was low turn out. Lots of people it would seem had better things to do Friday. With a lot of people washing their hair.
But for those of you that did vote. How do you vote and I dont mean for who but rather do you only fill out a single preference or two or do you give every one a number |
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By *og-Man OP Man 22 weeks ago
somewhere |
"So it was low turn out. Lots of people it would seem had better things to do Friday. With a lot of people washing their hair.
But for those of you that did vote. How do you vote and I dont mean for who but rather do you only fill out a single preference or two or do you give every one a number"
I went 1 to 4 on both papers only
Feck that filling in 27 names in sequence ...I'd vote the same number twice knowing my brain
Some of the mistakes people make on the paper are incredible
Lots of X's on one paper or 1 to 5 on one paper followed by 6 onwards on the other paper
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I'm the same I just did the top 4 . There are strategies for making it more difficult for the ones you don't think to make it harder for them in the 2nd and 3rd count and so on. But can't remember what they are.
But from a spoiled vote view. Their was only 100 odd spoiled I'm my area with 30000 odd cast votes. A negligible amount really |
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By *lueLotusWoman 22 weeks ago
the wilderness |
I only did 1 to 2 on my local elections and 1 to 4 on European because I didn't want to give anyone else any vote, but I just looked up voting tactics and apparently the best tactic is to go all the way down to your least preference. Again apparently it can strengthen your top votes somehow. I'll need to find out for sure for next time, was just too busy this year to look into it properly. Embarrassing that I still don't know how to vote properly at my age. |
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"I didn’t . Have lost faith in this form of democracy . It’s a farce and my vote would only mean i hand over authority to do whatever shit in my behalf regardless it’s in my or anyone’s interest . I am tired of empty promises and tired of all the lies . In the end those elected follow the demands of the real powerful in the shadows who send their secretary to the lobby with brown envelop or philanthropic funding promises . It’s a farce
That's cynicism. And I get it, politics is shady at times, but if they think people don't care it gets even shadier. It's a job someone has to do and we decide that. Vote and hold them accountable... If they don't deliver let them know and vote different next time.
It takes guts to run considering the flak politicians are facing these days, but someone has to step up and make decisions at the end of the day. Don't let cynicism end your participation in choosing who does that. "
Yes , it is cynism . As young man I fought for democracy , dealt with Stasi-interrogation and was full of optimism after we succeeded to make the wall fall. But what’s left of our dreams for a better world ? Surveillance and loss of privacy has achieved levels STASI would be proud of. Democratic disagreement with a mainstream narrative can get you cancelled . Unscientific statements kik „Trust the science „ get level of new religious dogma . And when you dig deep you quickly figure that the entire game is rigged . It doesn’t matter who you elect to fuck up your life , those elected become self centered executors of gray eminences demands . Repeating the same procedures again and again in the hope of change without changing the game - I call it insanity . „ If elections would ever change anything, they would be prohibited all long „ ( K. Tucholsky) |
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