Politics – 120 pages – bought for £6.99 from Plymouth Waterstones pre-2010 General Election
- 2 nods
The recent General Election has captured the attention of the public like none other for a whole generation. Political commentators had been predicting a rumble in the parliamentary jungle in the months leading up to the D-Day of May 6th, resulting in a plethora of books upon the shelves of all good bookshops, ranging from the throw-away (see previous review on X Marks The Box) to the specifics of a particular party. One such interesting series was Why Vote, incorporating the big three of Tory, Labour and Lib-Dem, as well as the minor of UKIP, the SNP and my own particular chosen path of Green.
So, why vote Green? It is the task of Shahrar Ali to speak to Joe Public and convince them of the radical, Green way forward. 'Radical politics' is the feature of the first part of this short book, with emphasis on trust, direct action and those at the grassroots. Ali asserts the Greens are different and fresh; a real choice of change (yes, another change slogan to add to the barrel of all other parties!), with the party actually practicising what it preaches (unlike Mr Clegg, who does a good job of talking the talk).
Of course, the author tackles 'Climate Change', but in the hope of making the connection with the reader that they are part of the environment, that their needs and wants dictate the future path of our planet. This responsibility is followed up on other policy issues, including education, equality and the local services around us; before ending on the wrongs of war, leaving us with - oh yes - another Iraq War reference.
The Worm wholeheartedly agrees that the Greens offer a radical politics; unfortunately, Ali's book is not similarly refreshing. Although a gentle introduction for those of the Green persuasian, it is, ultimately, another throw-away to the add to the pile of this year's electioneering literature. But with their first MP in Parliament - in the shape of the formidable Caroline Lucas in Brighton - the Greens have a future of many further books published on their success.
