My Mom and Dad supported different political
parties and they would never discuss the matter. I can understand that, imagine
the arguments that could ensue. In all the years I lived with them I never knew
who supported which party. Unlike today, when people shout their preferences
from the rooftops.
The past experience did something to me because now
I will never discuss politics with anyone. I won’t advise or cajole or even
listen, except when a debate or discussion is shown on television. Joe was the
same. He and I had different views, but we didn’t want to fall out over
politics so we kept quiet. Arguing wasn't our thing.
In my younger working days, because I was employed
by a Government body, I was required to go counting every time there was an
election. I loved it. There was such an air of excitement as a count
progressed, or when a count went wrong, or results were too close which meant
we had to start again. Yet none of us revealed which party we had voted for.
The room was closely guarded. Naturally the candidates
and their henchmen were not allowed in but most would remain by the door and do
their best to try and work out if they were on a winning streak, almost hopping
from one foot to another as they tried to anticipate the outcome.
These days I have postal votes and every time I
fill in the necessary form I remember how a chosen few had to attend the
counting station to open all the envelopes and do a separate count. That was
prior to the standard vote count.
Before all that took place we had to attend a
meeting at the Town Hall to pledge our silence and confidentiality.
I was never detailed to attend a polling booth, but
was always present at the count and whenever there’s an election I remember
those days. Sadly, it is doubtful if peaceful polling days will ever return?
PS
Just letting you know that..........
Alex did come back!
