To political prejudices

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 11, 11 August 1987, Page 4

To political prejudices

"I've always voted for That's the way my parents voted." On August 15 the people of this country are asked to go to the polls to elect a parliament to govem this country. Many will vote the way they have always voted. Many will be swayed by the policies put out by the various parties. Many will be undecided on election day and will probably make a quick choice on the day itself. And there will be a number of people who won't exercise their democratic right to vote. It would seem that this group have no interest in who governs this country, but it also indicates that they are not prepared to take on any sort of reponsibility. Being responsible is the crux of the matter. We need responsible men and women to govern our country, but we won't get that situation unless the electors themselves take a responsible attitude in choosing the candidates. What a Party has or hasn't done, or what a Party promises to do is not the real issue. Rather, the issue is; what is best for this wonderful country of ours. This may mean that

genuine voters concerned for their country may have to change their voting habits - and then again, they may not. What I am saying is that each voter must look at the situation seriously, study the pros and cons, study each Party's policy and each Party's candidate, and then, after giving the matter serious thought, make their decision based on what is best for the welfare of this country, not on what is best for me. To adapt the words of the late President Kennedy of the USA "Think not what New Zealand can do for you, but what you can do for New Zealand." One piece of advice which all parties agree on and which we should take seriously is 'GET OUT AND VOTE." Fr Phil McCormack S.M.