Democracy Max ? ...

Running rest-day, but a totally frantic work day has led to me having to do an uncharateristic 'back-blip' ...

... this picture is of an Electoral Reform Society publication, at the launch of which I spoke briefly this evening.

It's entitled 'Democracy Max' and is the summation of a lengthy project about democracy (in its widest sense) within modern Scotland today, and about the 'spaces' that are currently lacking for truly meaningful political engagement.

And so - here's the famous 1949 Langston Hughes poem, entitled 'Democracy'; which always reminds me of the absolute need for 'demoratic renewal' to be never-ending:


Democracy

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.

I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.