But that's the crucial empty statement isn't it? How do I engage meaningfully? Like, seriously? In my ward for the local elections my choices are literally UKIP, Tory or labour. It's a very safe Tory area, and so the only way to fight UKIP is to vote Tory and I don't want to do that. Same on a national picture, conservative have +50% votes than any other party in my seat, and the MP has been unchallenged since the early 80s.
Against this picture, how should I act? Literally any vote I make will not count. Now what?
Also add to this list that the advertising and campaigning is so weak that I have next to no idea what these people stand for other than some very generic and uninspiring leaflets I got last week. No web presence, no ability to argue with them before I decide.
So tell me, what does it mean to be engaged past perusing the options and deciding none of them apply to me? How do I make a change? Seriously, the only thing I can think if is a party that stands in nihilistic opposition to the mainstream, it feels as if extremism is the only thing that could push politics in a new direction.
I know you're fucking with me, but that's an empty stance and you know it. Being +1 on a tally that needs a few thousand more to make a difference is meaningless.
I don't think Cameron or even Farrage is interesting enough to be evil.
I just want some boring people in suits to make sure the country doesn't stop.