What a horrid cold and wet time was had by all, standing at the Clock Tower in the wind and rain to get people to support Syriza. As I cycled into town, the wind at my back serving only to remind me what hard work it was going to be coming home, I thought ‘Why am I doing this? Why am I giving up two hours of my Sunday to stand in town freezing my fingers and tingling my toes?
I’ll be honest – I hate being cold and wet. Some people don’t seem to mind it: I’m constantly astonished by how many brave souls you see confronting the elements in the most basic of outfits. I’m not even talking about clubbers here – clubbers are a whole new level of crazy in this regard – I just mean ordinary shoppers who face a day like today in only a hoodie or a thin jacket. Whereas I, in thick jumper, scarf, cagoul, hat and gloves, shivered for an hour and a half and then I’d had enough.
Maybe it’s cars that make people behave like this? If you just step outside your house and into a warm car, and thence into a warm shopping-centre spending minimal time on the street I guess it’s hardly worthwhile getting togged up for the cold and wet. Whereas some of us slogged home into a fierce wind getting extremely wet but arriving home with a warm glow of self-righteousness.
And yet in spite of the cold it was encouraging to see how many people stopped to sign the petition and have a chat. The level of support for Syriza was very gratifying, especially since at the beginning we were wondering how aware of the situation people were. Yet many of them stopped, appended signatures and took stickers and left some left messages of support.
I think people in general should get a medal for doing these things in the name of democracy. We should celebrate those who, like Mags of the Green Party, tramp the streets to give out leaflets or stand on freezing corners with cold petitions – or just get out and talk to people about issues they are concerned with. It’s good to know that there are still people prepared to brave the elements in order to campaign for the things they believe in.
And some people CAN’T EVEN BE BOTHERED TO VOTE!!!
Kirk out
Sarada Gray 